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I just got a call from a coffeeshop entreprenuer (who would rather I didn't release her name just yet) who told me that she and a business partner have been negotiating with the landlord who owns the Hanson Block (home of the newly relocated Casey Family Services). They plan to open their quirky, London Underground-themed cafe in May.

This is big news.

Of course, I talked her ear off about how important it is to offer free wi-fi — which is cheap and extremely useful for people like me. And told her how excited I am at the prospect of walking to my satellite office every day rather than driving 10 minutes like I do to Speeder and Earl's on Pine Street. I think she got the message. Too soon to tell, though.

If they don't offer wi-fi, I'm still going to Speeder's.

Hear that? I will drive 10 minutes to drink coffee and use free wi-fi rather than support a Winooski business. Yes, internet access really is that important.

fyi — Word on the street is that the landlord is asking a bundle for that space, no surprise given that once the redevelopment's done, Winooski's downtown could turn into a less-sprawly version of Williston's Maple Tree Place. I hope these jive java mamas can pay their pricey rent in the absence of much parking. Reconstruction of Main Street, right outside their doors, will also being this spring. Not the most auspicious beginning.