Lark Street Café Faces Shutdown After Shooting Sparks Public Safety Concerns!
The City of Albany has shut down Café Hollywood after a shooting early Sunday morning left a 32-year-old man injured. The incident, which took place at 275 Lark Street, has raised serious concerns about the business’s ability to operate safely.
Albany Police responded to reports of the shooting around 1:05 a.m. When officers arrived, they found that the victim, who had been shot in the abdomen, had already taken himself to Albany Medical Center. He is now in stable condition. The suspect fled the scene before police could arrive, and the investigation is ongoing.
In light of the shooting, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan announced that the city has revoked the certificate of occupancy for Café Hollywood, effective immediately. Mayor Sheehan emphasized the city’s responsibility to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
“Overnight, a shooting took place at Café Hollywood,” she stated. “The City of Albany’s primary obligation is to keep our residents and visitors safe, and that is why, after consulting with the Albany Police Department, Department of Corporation Counsel, and the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance, the decision has been made to revoke the certificate of occupancy for Café Hollywood effective immediately.”
The closure is indefinite, with city inspectors regularly monitoring the property to ensure compliance with the order.
This is not the first time Café Hollywood has faced issues. In 2021, the establishment was temporarily closed as a “nuisance property” after a series of violent incidents. It was later allowed to reopen under strict conditions, including limited capacity, adjusted operating hours, and a ban on hosting entertainment events.
Gabriella Romero, the 6th Ward Councilmember representing Lark Street, strongly condemned the management of Café Hollywood and called for further action. In a statement, she urged the New York State Liquor Authority to revoke the café’s liquor license, citing its history of safety concerns.
“This establishment has repeatedly proven it cannot responsibly operate under its current management,” Romero said. “The New York State Liquor Authority must revoke Café Hollywood’s license in order to protect the safety and well-being of the 6th Ward neighborhood and larger Albany community. Enough is enough.”
Ella Montelone, executive director of the Lark Street Business Improvement District (BID), supported the city’s decision but stressed the importance of broader safety measures for the neighborhood. Montelone highlighted the vibrant and creative nature of the Lark Street community and emphasized that recent incidents do not define the area.
“We support the City’s decision to close Café Hollywood after recent reports of criminal activity. However, this closure underscores the urgent need for increased police presence along the corridor,” Montelone said. “The Lark Street corridor is a vibrant and creative community of artists and entrepreneurs. Recent incidents do not define this eclectic neighborhood of small businesses and residents.”
Local business owner Jesse Sommer, who owns New Scotland Spirits, criticized the city’s approach to handling public safety. Sommer acknowledged that Café Hollywood’s management had taken steps to improve security, such as patting down patrons at the door, but argued that broader safety concerns require a stronger police presence.
“The only personnel who should be dealing with individuals intent on criminal conduct are cops,” Sommer said. He expressed frustration over the lack of police support despite repeated requests for assistance.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Albany Police Detective Division at (518) 462-8039. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through capitalregioncrimestoppers.com or the P3 Tips mobile app.
Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates.