The following was sent to me by the owners of the Green Street Cafe in response to a recent blog I posted.
Daryl: We would love to lay to rest the issue of the closing of the cafe in 2007. The reason the cafe was closed was building code violations that were the responsibilty of our landlord – Smith College. They had adequate time and the resources to correct the violations. The one violation that was our responsibility was not the cause of our license removal. Lt. Millin of the fire department stated to me on 2 occasions that he was against the closing of the cafe. Our violation was simply corrected – the repositioning of the pull switch of the ansul system from one exit to another 10 feet away. When it was installed nearly 20 years ago it was positioned properly and inspected annually and passed annually. It was easy and inexpensive to move – and we were willing to do so. This act would not have prevented our license from being taken – we regret not having corrected it (it had been scheduled) because it clouded the issue as to the responsibilty of our closing. Simply its another example of Smith College and Mayor Higgins working together on the destruction of the Green Street neighborhood and of our Cafe. If anyone is interested to read more about our saga please visit our blogspot. (See Redoubt links) As always, any letters of support to Smith, the Mayor or the Daily Hampshire Gazette are needed and appreciated. Smith has stepped up its campaign against us (eviction) and time is running out. We can't believe this is happening to us – but, it is. Sincerely, John and Jim
