One day after her historic inauguration, Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs signed an executive order to “turn the lights back on” in the city to boost entertainment and hospitality.
Applyrs signed the order surrounded by her newly established council of local business owners. She said the council will take a step toward returning something that’s lacking in New York’s capital city.
“That’s fun,” said Applyrs.
With her first executive order, Applyrs greenlights an effort to take a closer look at what it will take to make Albany’s nightlife thrive.
“This council is being established to identify priorities and solutions to support and expand a nightlife economy that is safe, inclusive and most of all, fun for everyone,” said Applyrs.
“Nightlife isn’t about chaos,” said Todd Shapiro, owner of The War Room in Albany. “It’s about community. It’s about jobs for our servers, our bartenders and our musicians, security and small business owners.”
The final report is due July 1.
To address safety concerns, Applyrs said her administration is considering an ambassador program.
“Essentially, that ambassador program will entail hiring people from the community who serve as a presence on our business corridors. One of the things that deters crime is presence,” she said.