“I hope people will understand how hard I’ve worked to make sure this place stays open and that certain things are beyond my control,” Virginia Iacobucci, owner of La Paloma Sabanera, said weeks ago, while the closure of the coffee shop was still up in the air, before the tables had been raffled off and the güiro returned to its creator.

After the official closing announcements were made via mailing list, social media, and in person, La Paloma’s fate was still uncertain.

Behind the scenes, Virginia Iacobucci, the coffee shop’s owner, had been in discussions with the City of Hartford and the building’s landlord, the latter of whom had been completely unwilling to negotiate on rent, according to Iacobucci.

John Fleming, the Boston-based landlord, had failed to address a number of concerns with the building over the first five years of the lease, Iacobucci said. Though nobody had entered the store with a realtor, Fleming told Iacobucci that there were plans for a “high-end clothing store” to replace La Paloma. Following Iacobucci’s initial closing announcement, there were rumors from other building tenants that Fleming was going to put his building up for sale. For several days, this seemed to be the plan, and then, nothing.

When the building’s super was asked about the future for this spot at a later date, he said Fleming told him it was going to be a “surprise.”

What might that surprise be?

We are hearing that Capitol Grocery, the bodega at 397 Capitol Avenue, is seeking the spot at the corner of Babcock and Capitol. The building’s super says that the lease signing is expected to happen tomorrow, July 9, 2013.

La Paloma Sabanera had been paying $1450 per month in rent. According to those familiar with the owner of Capitol Grocery, the rent for 397 Capitol Avenue is in the $450-500 range.

In the past there was an arrest at the convenience store for sale of bootleg DVDs and loose cigarettes. As recent as April 2013, Capitol Grocery has received a warning for being in violation of federal tobacco laws and regulations. The Capitol Grocery owner was previously denied a liquor permit. Store patrons have suggested that other illegal activities are ongoing; while this has not been confirmed, we have learned that police are keeping an eye on the business.

Capitol Grocery’s owner has reportedly told his patrons that he plans to open a breakfast place and grocery store in two months at 405 Capitol Avenue.

Those familiar with the process of opening a food business believe that six months is a more realistic timeline, if everything goes as planned. He would need to revamp the electrical system and install a vent, among other things. This alone would cost around $50,000 to meet environmental and other regulations. He would have to obtain a certificate of occupancy, issued by the Fire Marshall, before allowed to open in this new spot. Both front and back door, along with a window, need replacement. The brickwork facing west has needed fixing for some time. Graffiti remains on the building’s mural.

The loss of La Paloma Sabanera goes beyond the loss of a coffee house or even community space. It’s a step backwards for a block.

Of the coffee shop’s closure, Iacobucci says, “I knew that people would be upset, but I was surprised at the depth of feeling for La Paloma.”

A party held the night before La Paloma’s closure celebrated five years of business under Iacobucci; the Cotto family ran it for several years before La Paloma changed hands. Now, the space seems destined to remain empty or be filled by yet another convenience store.

In an op-ed (5 July 2013), Iacobucci called for conversations to begin on negligent landlords. Participants in such discussions should take care that these conversations move forward to action.

Tomorrow morning is the launch of the City of Hartford’s Quality of Life Initiative. This will take place at 10 in the Hartford Public Library’s atrium.