PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
  1. Signatures
    2,125 out of 2,500
    Petitioning
    1. Albany Common Council President (+ 15 others)
      Petitioning
      close
      • Albany Common Council President (Carolyn McLaughlin)
      • 1st Ward (Dominick Calsolaro)
      • 2nd Ward (Lester Freeman)
      • 3rd Ward (Ronald E. Bailey)
      • 4th Ward (Barbara Smith)
      • 5th Ward (Jacqueline Jenkins-Cox)
      • 6th Ward (Richard Conti)
      • 7th Ward (Catherine Fahey)
      • 8th Ward (John Rosenzweig)
      • 9th Ward (James Sano)
      • 10th Ward (Leah Golby)
      • 11th Ward (Anton Konev)
      • 12th Ward (Michael O'Brien)
      • 13th Ward (Daniel Herring)
      • 14th Ward (Joseph Igoe)
      • 15th Ward (Frank Commisso, Jr.)
  2. Created By
    Jeremy Routhier-James
    Albany, NY
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

One of the proposed changes to the city's zoning laws would require businesses such as coffeeshops and restaurants to pay an annual fee of between $300 and $900 to be allowed to host amplified entertainment such as live music performances, open mic nights, stand-up comedy, karaoke, and trivia. This annual fee would represent a significant burden for small businesses and would serve as an obstacle to live entertainment options in a city already bereft of such.

Live music and entertainment are integral to a thriving city. Countless independent musicians, comedians, poets, and karaoke and trivia hosts depend on a vibrant nightlife scene in the region for their livelihood and means of artistic expression. Small venues such as coffeeshops that host open mics and performances by local musicians play an important role in the local music scene. We fear that the already limited opportunities for performers in Albany will only diminish if the Albany Common Council adopts this proposal.

While many of the aspects of the proposed changes seem reasonable, such as attaching permission for amplified entertainment to a business rather than a property, the fee schedule does not. Many small businesses in Albany are already struggling to keep their doors open, and the addition of a new annual expense will be unnecessarily burdensome. This proposed expense threatens not only those businesses, but the artists who perform there, the fans who come from near and far to attend their performances, and the cultural and artistic diversity of Albany.

When asked if this was simply a way for the city to bring in extra revenue, Albany Common Council President Carolyn McLaughlin said to a local television station, "It is certainly not about the money at all." We take her at her word and ask that the Albany Common Council therefore reject the proposed fees.

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Reject the fee of $300-$900 to host live music and other entertainment.

Greetings,

I just signed the following petition addressed to: Albany Common Council.

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Reject the fee of $300-$900 to host live music and other entertainment.

One of the proposed changes to the city's zoning laws would require businesses such as coffeeshops and restaurants to pay an annual fee of between $300 and $900 to be allowed to host amplified entertainment such as live music performances, open mic nights, stand-up comedy, karaoke, and trivia. This annual fee would represent a significant burden for small businesses and would serve as an obstacle to live entertainment options in a city already bereft of such.

Live music and entertainment are integral to a thriving city. Countless independent musicians, comedians, poets, and karaoke and trivia hosts depend on a vibrant nightlife scene in the region for their livelihood and means of artistic expression. Small venues such as coffeeshops that host open mics and performances by local musicians play an important role in the local music scene. We fear that the already limited opportunities for performers in Albany will only diminish if the Albany Common Council adopts this proposal.

While many of the aspects of the proposed changes seem reasonable, such as attaching permission for amplified entertainment to a business rather than a property, the fee schedule does not. Many small businesses in Albany are already struggling to keep their doors open, and the addition of a new annual expense will be unnecessarily burdensome. This proposed expense threatens not only those businesses, but the artists who perform there, the fans who come from near and far to attend their performances, and the cultural and artistic diversity of Albany.

When asked if this was simply a way for the city to bring in extra revenue, Albany Common Council President Carolyn McLaughlin said to a local television station, "It is certainly not about the money at all." We take her at her word and ask that the Albany Common Council therefore reject the proposed fees.
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Sincerely,

[Your name]

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