ONEONTA _ Construction at 198 Main St. is clearing the way for a bookstore.
Michele Pondolfino of Oneonta said The Green Toad will be a general publications bookstore with seating, Internet access and selections for young adults and children as well as adults.
``We have a niche to fill downtown,'' Pondolfino said. The Oneonta area has an intelligent population, she said, and she plans to create a bookstore that is ``a gathering place.''
``I'm just really excited about it,'' Pondolfino said. The opening is projected for November, she said, because fixtures are expected to be delivered in mid-October.
Pondolfino said she has been selling real estate since 1993 and had considered opening a bookstore during that time. At the end of last year, she started researching possibilities and attending book expositions, she said.
Research showed a high failure rate for bookstores, she said, but recent figures for book sales have been up, perhaps because people are spending less on travel.
She said David Zummo, owner of the Latte Lounge next door, has agreed to open a passageway from his business.
Zummo said Wednesday he considered opening a bookstore above his shop during the past year, but the initial investment was high and his expertise isn't in books. Pondolfino was receptive to his idea of a passageway between the two businesses.
``Coffee and books go together,'' he said. ``It's a good combination.''
