Syracuse’s Westcott Theater could soon lose its special use permit, but many community members are fighting back.
Richie Sposato, who lives in central New York, spoke in favor of the venue at a public hearing at City Hall.
"It's the police's job to keep the neighborhood safe. It's the business' job to keep people safe inside the business, which they do,” he said.
Syracuse Zoning Commissioner Jake Dishaw recommended revoking the permit following recent security incidents.
Police Chief Mark Rusin listed a number of reports while speaking at the public hearing, including a shooting incident nearby in May 2025, a fight and stabbing at Westcott Theater in August 2026, and a fight outside the theater in July 2026.
“Given the property’s known and demonstrated pattern of failing to maintain a safe environment, Syracuse Police Department has been forced to dedicate limited department resources to the property," he said.
Syracuse City Auditor Alex Marion said he thinks the business’s permit should be revoked.
“There have been shootings. There have been stabbings. Twenty shell casings found in a parking lot is not a bar fight gone sideways. That is a massacre waiting to happen," Marion said.
At the public hearing, Westcott supporters wore black shirts that read #Save Westcott Theater and spoke about how the venue celebrates diversity and supports the local arts scene.
Owner Dan Mastronardi said he feels as if his business is being targeted.
"The Westcott is not always being treated fairly,” Mastronardi said. “At times, we have seen several different levels of scrutiny depending on an event, a promoter, or the audience."
Mastronardi said he hopes for the chance to work with city officials moving forward to keep the business open and operating safely.
