Albany hearing held on cabaret license for Dove and Deer at 32 Dove Street

The City of Albany held a public hearing Oct. 12 on a year-long cabaret license application for Dove and Deer New York LLC, d/b/a Dove and Deer, at 32 Dove Street.

City Clerk Shaniqua Jackson opened the hearing and said two people had signed up to speak. Neighbor Eleanor De Silva said she lives “directly across the street from Dove And Deer” in Center Square and urged caution, saying the restaurant has become louder since a change in ownership: “Each time the door opens at Dove and Deer, the noise comes out,” De Silva said. She described recurring trash and people congregating in front of the business, fights on more than two occasions and limited parking, and said she had not received notice of the hearing until the day before.

Danny Boudreaux, who described neighborhood revitalization as tied to arts and live music, told officials he supports granting the cabaret license but urged clearer, enforceable noise rules. “They have decibel limits,” Boudreaux said, citing examples from other cities and recommending objective limits and enforceable consequences tied to time of night.

Thomas Vacanti, identified as the owner and operator of the business, said the restaurant has soundproofing intended to protect upstairs neighbors and that he has not personally received a noise complaint during his year of ownership. Vacanti confirmed the establishment is open, said the interior fire-code maximum occupancy is 85 people (with an outdoor patio he estimated seats about 20), and gave the interior square footage as about 1,500. He described the planned entertainment as mainly jazz bands and DJs, with occasional open mic and karaoke, and said proposed entertainment hours are Monday–Sunday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., with the premises open 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. He said the business plans to sell beer and wine during entertainment and has one staff person planned for security.

Vacanti also acknowledged one call to the Albany Police Department on a night when a performer drew a large crowd; he said there was no live music at that time and that staff had to manage people outside. He told the clerk that the required legal notice was posted at the establishment for a few days and that the application includes a certificate of maximum occupancy and a liquor license on file that expires 07/31/2026.

Clerk Jackson closed the hearing and said the application will undergo the normal interdepartmental review, including the Division of Building and Regulatory Compliance, the Albany Fire Department and referral to Common Council member Richard Conte for comment. No vote or final decision on the cabaret license was taken at the hearing.

Why it matters: The application would allow live music and dancing at a neighborhood restaurant in Center Square, raising questions about noise, public safety and neighborhood quality of life as the city balances business revitalization and resident concerns. The hearing record will be used by city departments as they complete their reviews.