Businesses in Albany share concerns after string of crime

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- After a recent string of violence in Albany, local businesses shared concerns over their safety and safety of their customers. Some businesses have had to relocate, others had to replace shattered doors, now they're asking for help from local legislation.

“They need to step their game up and we need protection and people need to feel safe. How many more people have to leave New York? How many more people have to not feel safe walking down the street? Afraid you're going to get hit with a bullet?" said Lucia Mitsios.

Mitsios co-owns the Pearl Street Diner alongside her husband. They've been in business for the last 15 years, but she said Tuesday was one of her scariest days at work.

“For us to hear that there was a shooting right around the corner from us is really scary and it hit home because not only do I have to keep my doors open to make business but I have to keep people to feel comfortable and when something like that happens they don't feel comfortable they’re not going to want to be here anymore," said Mitsios.

This comes after Albany police responded to three shootings in the last 72 hours. These incidents resulted in one person dead and three others injured -- all of whom were 21 years old or younger.

One of those shootings happened outside Madison Deli, even shattering one of their front windows. NEWS10's Vanessa Blasi reached out to the owner, but he has not yet responded.

However, Lucia is not alone in her frustration. This past November, a bullet went through the front door of Bitchin' Donuts on Lark Street while they were open. The owner, Tania Sharlow did not want to go on camera, but she shared how that incident has changed her daily actions.

“Alarming definitely and a little bit scary. After something like that happens, I have found myself being much more aware of my surroundings, looking around me to safe and just making sure I'm safe," said Sharlow.

Sharlow also said she even received an email from a customer after the shooting, asking if her store had another location, because the customer did not feel safe returning to that area. Sharlow is hoping to get cameras installed outside her building in the near future -- making improvements just like nearby Stacks Espresso Bar.

Kylie Macana, owner of Stacks Espresso Bar said they just relocated last week to what they hope will be a more comfortable spot for customers.

“Customers were getting pretty uncomfortable at our previous location just because it was a lot smaller and there was always only one person working at a time," said Macana.

Their new location is where Cafe Hollywood used to be. Macana said it is much bigger and she hopes to hold events there to help bring the community together. Altogether, most of the businesses said they would like to see more police patrols in the area.

Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox said increasing patrols is something they're already working on.

"We are increasing patrols in those areas right now as we speak. I'm a huge proponent of community policing, that's one of our philosophies," said Cox, who addressed the string of crime in a press conference on Wednesday.

Mitsios said she has seen patrols on the street but it's not consistent. Cox said the police department has 79 vacancies they're looking to fill. Without more patrols, Mitsios worries for the future of the city.

“They don't know how it feels, they don't own a business, they're not in our shoes," said Mitsios.

Mitsios said she's also been speaking with about 35 businesses in the area who are all frustrated with the recent crime. She said they've been brainstorming solutions to keep their businesses going, safely. Mitsios encourages other businesses to contact and join her.