Coffee Society's Imminent Sale Confirmed

The is up for sale, just six months after a controversial that left a bad taste in the owner’s mouth and the city open to a possible lawsuit.

Owner Jackie Streeter of Streeter and Sons is tight-lipped, but city officials have confirmed that there is a potential buyer for the 500-square-foot popular coffee spot that has operated since the library’s grand re-opening in October 2004. A Craigslist ad listed on June 10 lists the asking price at $129,000 for the business.

“This coffee shop just rec'd a 3 year of low-cost lease. Rent is only $1,000 inclusive of utilities per month. Rent has always been very low,” the ad states.

As long as the new owners operate under the same name and offer the same services and menu, the city must offer the same terms, according to Timm Borden, the city’s public works director.

Streeter threatened to sue the city over a majority council decision on Jan. 4 to throw out a lease agreement with Streeter and Sons and start the bidding process over. Three members of the council questioned the original bidding process, asking whether one potential bidder had been improperly excluded.

“I’m going to really need to consider what my next steps are going to be," Streeter told Patch while fighting back tears the day after the vote. “I’m not only insulted, I’m upset.”

After Streeter hired an attorney, Darcy Paul, the council backed off on the decision on , extending the lease offer to her company. The same night, the outside of the Coffee Society as a show of support for the business.

The new lease kept rent at $1,000-a-month this year, with increases of only $50 per month a year for each of the next two years. .

Streeter declined a recent Patch request for an interview about why she is selling. Paul confirmed she was selling, but said she never discussed with him why.