A popular coffee shop and gathering place in Sherman Heights is closing on Friday after being told it violated city zoning regulations.
Latte Mi Corazon opened in 2003 and is on the same property as owner Jerry Guzman-Vergara's house. Earlier this year, Neighborhood Code Compliance told him the area is zoned for either commercial or residential, but not both. Guzman figured he either had to leave the house or close the business.
"For us it was a big shock," he said. "Because you think
seven years go by. We've invested a lot of money, a lot of time
not just in our business but into our community."
Neighborhood Code Compliance told 10News that the family was notified in 2003 that the combination home and business was not allowed. But then there was no follow up, and it would appear the city dropped the ball.
Robert Vacchi, deputy director of Neighborhood Code Compliance told 10News, "Prior to issuing a notice of violation in September of 2003, the case became inactive. There is no specific reason. It may have occurred due to a staff transfer."
Whatever the reason, the Guzman family heard nothing more from the city and opened the coffee shop. It has been in business for seven years, but earlier this year, old cases were re-opened and Guzman got the bad news.
"A lot of tears," he said. "Not just of sadness, of anger."
He contacted the city and was told that because his house is a designated historic structure, he could apply for a conditional use permit. However, the permit could cost up to $14,000, and there was no guarantee he would be able to keep the coffee shop open.
Guzman decided to close his business.
"It's very sad," said regular customer Yolanda Castellanos. "I'm so upset about it. This is a nice place for us to come and have our coffee and rest a little bit."
Guzman will soon be opening a coffee cart at the Sherman Heights Community Center. He's looking at a new location on Imperial Avenue, not far from his current location.
"The coffee shop is not just a space," he said. "It's the people that come here. Our community makes this space happen."
He hopes to open the new shop in six months.
Vacchi of Neighborhood Code Compliance said Guzman was never forced to shut down his business.
Guzman said getting the conditional use permit didn't make financial sense, and he would rather put the money into opening the new shop.