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The Westcott Theater in Syracuse has reopened after being temporarily shut down due to safety concerns. The venue welcomed patrons back on Thursday (June 5) following an inspection by the Syracuse Fire Department, which confirmed that all fire prevention issues had been resolved. The city has also granted the theater an entertainment license, allowing events to proceed this weekend.
The theater was closed by the Syracuse Division of Code Enforcement after a police response to gunfire and fights outside the venue on May 31. According to CNY Central, three vehicles and two houses were struck by bullets, though no injuries were reported. The lack of an entertainment license and code violations related to the venue's outdoor patio were also cited as reasons for the closure.
City officials, including Jake Dishaw, the deputy commissioner for code enforcement and zoning administration, emphasized the goal of ensuring a safe and compliant operation. Dishaw stated, "Our goal isn’t to shut them down. We want a good business operating there." Syracuse.com reported that the theater had not applied for the necessary entertainment license in the past year.
Owner Dan Mastronadi expressed gratitude to the city officials and departments involved, stating, "We're excited to be back open." The theater has events scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and management is eager to provide safe and enjoyable experiences for attendees.