ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — Some business owners and residents in Albany say perception versus reality is what it comes down to when talking crime in the city. They explain the stats may say one thing but it’s how the community perceives it is what really matters.
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As soon as Lucia Mitsios stopped taking orders at the end of her workday at the Pearl St. Diner , she didn’t technically close her doors for the day. “We’re lucky enough that there are so many business owners that are ready to stand up,” said Mitsios.
Instead, she welcomed local, county and state leaders to the Albany Action Meeting to discuss safety concerns throughout the city. “I think it’s just time that the elected officials realize that they work for us, and they have to start worrying about our safety as small business owners. Because without us you lose your community,” stated Mitsios.
Jesse Sommers who owns New Scotland Spirits said he sees many areas of concern that need to be addressed, “That first starts at the ground level, dealing with some of the systemic issues, whether that is homelessness.” He went on to explain the meeting was about creating conversation with local leadership addressing other topics such as parking, panhandling and gun violence. “The objective was to bring out all these stakeholders, the community groups, the candidates for office, existing municipal officials, law enforcement and the business owners.”…