Lark Street businesses react to latest Cafe Hollywood closure

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Cafe Hollywood on Lark Street used to be filled with people on most weekend nights, but now the lights will remain off for the foreseeable future. The city's decision to close this bar on Sunday has evoked mixed reactions from other businesses on Lark Street -- many who said more action needs to be taken to fight crime.

“It's very heartbreaking, I'm sure they didn't have anything to do with it and they obviously deserve to stay in business, but you know there has been a lot of crime coming in Lark Street," said Daisy Diaz, the owner of Daisies Pasteles, located off of Lark Street.

This comes after a person was shot inside the bar over the weekend, causing the city to step in. Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said in part of a statement, that this decision was made alongside the police department and other city departments.

“The business shall remain closed indefinitely, and inspectors from the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance will inspect the property regularly to ensure it remains unoccupied," said Mayor Sheehan in part of a statement.

This is not the first time Cafe Hollywood has been the subject of violence. In October, A 42-year-old was found at the bar with a stab wound to his neck, resulting in one arrest. In 2021, the bar was closed for a week after the city declared a state of emergency citing 20 incidents in which police were called to the location. The bar was eventually allowed to reopen with restrictions such as reducing capacity and closing at midnight.

Likewise, some businesses on Lark Street said street violence like this is not new for the area. Deana Datri, a partner with Fresh 'N Pressed said unfortunately, it happens more than anyone would like.

“It happens on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays," said Datri.

Which is why both Datri and her business partner Jaime Gonzalez said the city needed to do this.

“It’s not surprising. It's been on and off a long time and unfortunately, it's something that I think needed to be done I know you can't blame the business itself but clearly stricter measures need to be taken to deter any of that from happening," said Datri.  

The Lark Street Business Improvement District was not available for an interview, but in part of a statement they said they also support the city's decision.

"We support the City’s decision to close Café Hollywood after recent reports of criminal activity. For further details on that closure, please contact the Mayor’s office. The Lark BID works closely with the City and Law Enforcement. However, this closure underscores the urgent need for increased police presence along the corridor," said Ella Montelone, executive director of the Lark BID.

However, other local business owners worry that this decision will not get rid of the crime.

“I don't know, I feel like maybe increased security but not necessarily closing it down, I don't know necessarily what closing it down would do," said Diaz.

“I think its just gonna move if its not one spot its another," said Datri.

Jesse Sommer, the owner of New Scotland Spirits and resident of Lark Street said its not about blaming the owners.

“It is not the responsibility or the fault of these owners of bars and restaurants to police people who are intent on committing crimes," said Sommer. “There is a way to pacify Lark Street. There is a way to make it safe and enjoyable."

Some believe that way is with increased police presence and cameras.

“They can install more cameras that are going to be the credible eyes by everybody if they need to prosecute someone," said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez worries that without this, local businesses like their own, may be in jeopardy.

“Well eventually it will because people are going to be afraid to walk on the sidewalk," said Gonzalez.

A few business owners including Datri and Gonzalez will be joining Sommer alongside some community members at 6 p.m. Monday. They plan to discuss the city's decision and what they are asking from the city going forward.

In the meantime, police are continuing to investigate this shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Albany Police Detective Division at (518) 462-8039. Stick with NEWS10 for updates.