ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — On the corner of Henry Johnson Boulevard and Washington Avenue, stands True Images, a locally owned barbershop, celebrating 30 years next month. John Wafer is the owner, and has lived in Albany his whole life. For Wafer, that neighborhood is home, and his shop is a space for community connection. But that same community he loves, is struggling, and he’s witnessed much of it right through his shop window.
“The neighborhood has changed quite a bit over the years,” explained Wafer. “People have come. People have gone.”
Over just this past month, there have been multiple violent incidents in the city. Including one just down the street from his shop, where a Schenectady woman was fatally shot while sitting in her car.
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“It’s discouraging for sure, because it’s not a new thing,” Wafer explained. “Unfortunately, it’s been ongoing for far too long. And I just hope that enough people can come together to stand with each other to stop it. It’s very discouraging to see certain people, friends or family that are affected by it. It’s discouraging to hear it continuously.”…