Increased Safety Measures Announced

Albany City Mayor Kathy Sheehan an Chief of Police Hawkins announce increase police patrols in select areas of Albany.

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The Happie Collective Opens on Lark Street

THE HAPPIE COLLECTIVE FORMALLY OPENS ON LARK STREET WITH
A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
New Artist Collective and Vintage Store celebrates formal opening on Lark Street. 

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 5, 2023) — On Wednesday, September 5 at 4:30p.m, the Lark Street BID was joined by Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and local elected officials to celebrate the opening of The Happie Collective, an art shop and collective community creative space owned by Sandy Schneider and managed by Nicole Lenihan, at 197 Lark Street. 

The Happie Collective Boutique & Studios is a group of local creatives, artists, and makers coming together with a shared devotion to nature and sustainability. Their unique boutique features unisex vintage and upcycled clothing, pottery, handmade jewelry, as well as original art, beauty products, and home goods with a focus on reuse. 

The Happie Collective’s spacious studio environment includes work spaces for artists and a shared community room with opportunities for people to gather for classes, workshops, and meetings. It is their mission to inspire and support passion projects that focus on fashionably repurposing while giving back to their community and making our world a better place. When asked about their decision to be located on Lark Street, they say “Lark Street chose us!” 

Patrick Noonan, Chairman of the Lark Street Business Improvement Board said “The creativity and passion of Lark Street business owners are what make this district truly special. This is the definition of a passion project for Sandy & Nicole and we think they’re a perfect fit for Lark Street as it continues to grow. Lark Street businesses have fought incredibly hard to survive the last few years and this another sign that we remain open for business. On behalf of all the Lark Street business owners, I’m very excited to welcome ‘The Happie Collective’ to the corridor.”

“I love seeing our community give back!,” said 6th Ward Albany Common Councilmember Gabriella Romero. “The Happie Collective is a perfect example of community members seeing a need for creative merchantile but also community creative space. This is such a great idea and perfect space! Young people are looking for fun activities outside of the bar scene - this is a great opportunity to provide classes and meeting spaces for those that want to gather. Lark Street is and has always been a meeting spot. Congratulations!”

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "Another week, another ribbon cutting on Lark Street! We are very excited to welcome The Happie Collective to Albany's vibrant Lark Street corridor and cannot wait to see this new storefront complete with handmade and vintage items welcome residents and visitors alike."

“Lark Street continues to be the regional place for creative entrepreneurs to locate” said Matthew Peter, Albany County Legislator from the 5th District, “I am proud to welcome another new business to Lark Street who will add to our walkable community”.

“Congratulations to the Happie Collective on their grand opening last month and their ribbon cutting today!” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. “Small businesses like this form the backbone of our local economy and contribute to the vibrancy of the Center Square neighborhood and tight-knit Lark Street community. Make sure you stop by to see their collections, vintage clothing, and more!”

For more information about the Lark Street BID, its recent activities, and events, visit larkstreetbid.org. To contact board members, email bid@larkstreet.org or call 855-518-LARK.

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Balloonary Opens on Madison Avenue

THE BALLOONARY FORMALLY OPENS ON MADISON AVENUE WITH A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
Woman-owned, eco-friendly balloon shop and party favor store celebrates formal opening on Madison Avenue.

ALBANY, N.Y. (Aug. 29, 23) — On Tuesday, August 29 at 3 p.m, the Lark Street BID was joined by Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and local elected officials to celebrate the opening of The Balloonary, a 100% woman owned balloon and party favor store owned by Nina Young and Stephanie Turcotte at 449 Madison Ave.

The Balloonary business took off during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown; they offered balloons for drive-by showers and parties, zoom backdrops, and to brighten tough days for people. After posting their offerings on Instagram, business increased significantly. Nina and Stephanie are very familiar with the Lark Street business corridor, as they both worked at Bombers on Lark Street for many years. Both familiar as patrons, employees, and residents of the area, this neighborhood is “the perfect space for them”.

Patrick Noonan, Chairman of the Lark Street Business Improvement Board said “Lark Street is home to so many unique small businesses and Nina and Stephanie exemplify the creativity and passion of our district and its people. Lark street businesses have fought incredibly hard to survive the last few years and this is another sign that Lark Street remains open for business. On behalf of all the Lark Street business owners, I’m very excited to formally welcome ‘The Balloonary’ to the corridor.”

“I am so excited to formally welcome The Ballonary to the 6th Ward! This is a beautiful business that adds such joy and frivolity to Madison Ave,” said 6th Ward Albany Common Councilmember Gabriella Romero. Congratulations to Steph and Nina in this amazing business venture! Thank you for spreading more joy and happiness in the world!

"I am excited to welcome yet another new business to the Lark Street Business Improvement District. The Balloonary thrived as an at-home business during the pandemic and now we are thrilled they have a storefront along this important corridor. Congratulations to Nina and Stephanie for expanding your business and re-dedicating yourselves to Lark Street and New York's Capital City!" said Albany Mayor, Kathy Sheehan.

“This woman-owned business is a vibrant new addition to the City of Albany and Albany County as a whole. Celebrations are a part of life, but considering the impact on our natural resources should always float to the top. We’re thrilled to see that The Balloonary embraces an eco-friendly approach as a core value by not using helium in their balloons and minimizing waste,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Whether you’re throwing a birthday party or planning a wedding, you can rest assured that here you will get a product that is both high-quality and environmentally conscious.”

“Congratulations to Steph and Nina in making Lark Street Home” said Matthew Peter, Albany County Legislator from the 5th district, “creativity and place making is what Lark Street is known for and The Balloonary adds to that vision”.

"Congratulations to Steph and Nina for 'rising to new heights' on the opening of their one-stop custom balloon shop, The Balloonary," said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. "Small businesses like The Balloonary in Albany's Hudson/Park neighborhood are the cornerstones of our communities, and ventures like Steph and Nina's form the backbone of our local economy, support our neighbors, while breathing life into our neighborhoods. I look forward to seeing their future success and watching their creations 'blow up' at local events around our community!"

“The Hudson/ Park Neighborhood Association is thrilled to welcome both Steph and Nina to our business community with the opening of The Balloonary on Madison Avenue! Terrell Rabb, President of Hudson Park Neighborhood Association said. “Our surrounding communities have always been a home and destination for creative people and businesses. We’re happy to have The Balloonary continue this tradition. We’ve already enjoyed their beautiful designs at other local businesses, neighborhood events, and community parades and festivals. We encourage everyone to consider The Balloonary for your next special event.”

For more information about the Lark Street BID, its recent activities, and events, visit larkstreetbid.org. To contact board members, email bid@larkstreet.org or call 855-518-LARK.

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Bitchin' Donuts Opens on Lark Street

BITCHIN’ DONUTS FORMALLY OPENING ON LARK

STREET WITH A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

New 100% plant based donut and coffee shop on Albany’s Lark Street will celebrate fully opening with their expanded menu!

ALBANY, N.Y. (Aug. 16, 23) — On Wednesday, August 16 at 10 a.m, the Lark Street BID was joined by Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and local elected officials to celebrate the opening of Bitchin’ Donuts, a 100% woman owned and fully plant based donut and coffee shop owned by Tania Sharlow at 193 Lark Street. Bitchin’ Donuts began offering delicious vegan donuts and coffee on Lark Street, but will now offer on-premises dining that includes a food menu with gluten free options. The expanded menu includes breakfast sandwiches, salads and wraps, and mac and cheese.

Tania opened their doors as a first time business owner in October of 2018 at a small cafe location near Lake George, called Birch Bark Eatery. They quickly outgrew that spot and relocated to Downtown Glens Falls just one year later. They survived the pandemic by changing their business model to provide custom orders of donuts and cakes while still serving a sizable menu of food. About a year ago, Tania looked to relocate to the epicenter of their customers - Albany, NY. Tania serves guests from Rochester, Buffalo, Vermont, and New York City, in addition to their Capital District regulars.
“On behalf of all the Lark Street business owners, I’m very excited to welcome Bitchin Donuts to the corridor,” said Patrick Noonan, Chair of the Lark Street BID. “The incredible menu, coupled with their owners’ passion and creativity are a perfect match for our district. Lark Street businesses have fought incredibly hard to survive over the last few years and this is another sign that Lark Street remains open for business!”

“The big purple building on Lark Street is one of my favorites! I am so amazed at the selection of flavors and variety in Tania’s store. Welcome to Lark, Bitchin!” said Albany Common Councilmember Gabriella Romero.

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, ”Albany continues to attract new businesses across our city, and Bitchin Donuts is yet another example of that economic vibrancy in action. With a revitalized Lark Street just weeks away, now is a perfect time to add yet another vibrant and diverse business offering for residents and visitors alike along this important corridor. Congratulations to Tania on their newest venture right here in New York’s Capital City!”

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “The strength of our county is built on the many successes of our small businesses. What Tania has done with Bitchin’ Donuts is a great example. Her tenacity, hard work and determination are why we are here today. Congratulations!”

“Lark Street continues to be a destination for those seeking creative art, amazing cocktails and innovative food” said Albany County Legislator Matthew Peter. Bitchin Donuts is not only a perfect and welcome fit to Lark Street, but is a true destination that shows the continued growth and revitalization of our historic neighborhood.”

“Congratulations to the owner of Bitchin’ Donuts, Tania Sharlow, on their official ribbon cutting and for opening their location here in the heart of Albany on Lark Street” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (D-Albany). “Small businesses like these are the backbone of Lark Street’s business district, and indeed our broader Capital Region’s economy. I look forward to Bitchin Donuts becoming yet another well-known Lark Street establishment where our community can purchase realty and fresh food while supporting our local economy. Stop by today and grab a Bitchin’ Donut!!”

For more information about the Lark Street BID, its recent activities, and events, visit

larkstreetbid.org. To contact board members, email bid@larkstreet.org or call 855-518-LARK.

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