Breaking: Albany Shooting Sparks Closure of Café Hollywood Indefinitely!
Albany, NY — Albany Police are investigating a shooting that occurred early Sunday morning on Lark Street. The incident, which sent a man to the hospital, has also led to the city revoking Café Hollywood’s certificate of occupancy, effectively shutting the establishment down.
Officers responded to the scene at Café Hollywood, located at 275 Lark Street, around 1:05 a.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered that a 32-year-old man had been shot in the abdomen while inside the establishment.
The injured man reportedly transported himself to Albany Medical Center Hospital, where police later found him. Authorities have confirmed that the victim is currently in stable condition. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived, and no arrests have been reported so far.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan addressed the situation with a strong statement, emphasizing the city’s commitment to public safety.
After consulting with the Albany Police Department, the Department of Corporation Counsel, and the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance, Café Hollywood’s certificate of occupancy was revoked immediately.
The establishment will remain closed indefinitely, with inspectors conducting regular checks to ensure the property stays unoccupied.
This is not the first time Café Hollywood has been linked to incidents of violence. In 2021, the establishment was temporarily closed as a “nuisance property.”
It was later allowed to reopen under specific restrictions, including limited capacity, earlier closing times, and a prohibition on hosting entertainment events.
Despite these measures, the recent shooting has reignited concerns about safety and the establishment’s impact on the local community.
Ella Montelone, executive director of the Lark Street Business Improvement District (BID), supported the city’s decision to close the café. She also highlighted the need for increased police presence and better coordination to ensure safety in the Lark Street area.
Monteleone described the Lark Street corridor as a vibrant and creative community, emphasizing that recent incidents should not overshadow its eclectic mix of small businesses and residents.
The closure of Café Hollywood reminds us of the ongoing challenges the community faces in balancing public safety with supporting local businesses.
Monteleone reaffirmed the BID’s commitment to working collaboratively with city officials, law enforcement, and the community to address these issues.
She stressed the importance of swift action to protect the area’s businesses and restore confidence in its safety.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspect to come forward.
Meanwhile, the city continues to monitor the situation closely, as safety in the Lark Street area remains a top priority.
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.