Residents Exchange Jabs Over Controversial Cafe

Residents concerned about a city lawsuit demanding that a popular cafe remove outdoor seating went before the City Council this week to give their views.

Debate about the Jabberwocky Java cafe dominated the public comment period at the session. The city is suing the cafe, alleging that its proprietors are seating patrons in a garden area without proper permits.

“Ever since that place has opened, we’ve had problems,” said Paul Stevens, who has lived behind the cafe since it opened in 1995. “It may be a nice place to go, but it’s not a nice place to live by.”

Supporters, however, argued that the cafe’s patrons and staff are quiet and respectful.

“It’s a wonderful place to be, so wonderful, in fact, that I’ve chosen to have my baby shower there,” Barbara Lawrence told officials. “I love Jabberwocky Java.”

The cafe strives to be neighborly and now closes at 10 p.m. rather than midnight, said Sherri Price, assistant supervisor. “We try to be respectful of everyone--the people who come and the people who live around there.”

Cafe owners also have said that they believe they are in compliance with city permits and regulations. Because the matter was not on the agenda, the City Council did not take any action on it.