Bestsellers Owner Frustrated with Developer

Bestsellers Cafe still remains closed and under construction.

Bestsellers Cafe Opening Date Still Undetermined

– Allison Goldsberry

It’s been over two years that popular Medford Square bookstore and coffee shop Bestsellers Cafe has been open for business, and owner Rob Dilman is frustrated.

The store’s building has been under renovation, with no end date in site. The developer, Mike Casoli, has grappled with the city in obtaining the correct building permits and at one point was attempting to create underground parking beneath the building.

Dilman criticized Casoli for being unprepared to complete the project and said he would have never left his space had he known how long it would take Casoli to finish the renovations.

Dilman said Casoli isn’t moving fast enough to finish the project and that he is “taking advantage” of the city.

“Bestsellers Cafe was supposed to be open by now and I’m very frustrated with Casoli and his lack of urgency. Nowadays, I feel like he is taking advantage of the City’s offer to allow him to work on parts of the building while getting his full permit request completed, submitted, and approved by the City’s Building Department (and the Zoning Board of Appeals, too),” said Dilman in an email.

Dilman accused Casoli of stringing him along and said he has been promised a “considerable amount” of free rent but that will only occur when the store is able to open.

“I wish the City would issue a cease and desist order so he would have no work (like myself and everyone associated with Bestsellers Cafe) until he has his plan organized and ready to execute. Casoli shouldn’t be allowed to puddle and puddle and string me along, waiting on the sidelines,” said Dilman.

According to Building Commissioner Paul Mochi, Casoli met with city officials over the summer to give them an update on the status of the project and his future plans. Casoli is in the process of installing the steel framing for the fourth floor and roof, which he expects to be completed by December 1. Mochi said Casoli will have to schedule another hearing with the Zoning Board because he lacks off-street parking, which was a condition of the previous building permit.

Despite the setbacks, Bestsellers is still selling books and other products. Dilman is taking bread orders for Jessica’s bread, which he sold at the Medford Square Market. Orders can be made for Thanksgiving and for Christmas- email info@bestsellers.com for more information.

In addition, Bestsellers will be at the St. Joseph’s Holly Fair on November 21 and 22 and they will also be at ERA Andrew Realty during the Victorian Stroll on December 3.

Dilman said his son, Charlie, 5, continues to ask about the bookstore. He hopes his son will soon experience being a part of the store again.

“I truly think he will be a wonderful little ambassador at the bookstore. He wants to show all the kids where the children’s books are located. I cannot wait for him to experience the fun of running the bookstore,” said Dilman.