Media Contact:
Jevan Dollard
Director
Lark Street BID
518-573-0996
bid@larkstreet.org
October 24, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SECOND-FLOOR BAR AND BREWERY TO OPEN AT THE LIONHEART PUB
Ribbon cutting ceremony will be held to celebrate expansion made possible by ReZone Albany
ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 24, 19) — The Lionheart Pub, operating since 1992, will be opening a new brewery and bar with a ribbon cutting on Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m in the newly renovated second-floor space at 448 Madison Ave. Owner Jerry Aumand credits provisions in the updated ReZone Albany zoning code allowing second floor commercial usage for helping ease the process.
“This expansion allows for a more complete utilization of our space, opening the door to further investment and the addition of more employees. We applaud ReZone Albany and the tremendous support of Mayor Sheehan and the Common Council for listening to the needs of restaurants and small business in our corridor,” said Aumand.
Previous zoning codes would require business owners to apply for a variance if they wished to utilize second floors for commercial space. This expansion follows the opening of 288 Lark Wine & Tap, which also benefited from the ReZone Albany updates.
“One of the goals of ReZone Albany was to streamline the land use and permitting polices that impeded economic development. ReZone helped establish uniformity in rules and is encouraging new growth, helping to rejuvenate the Lark Street corridor.” said 6th Ward Common Council Member Richard Conti.
“This continued growth and expansion of businesses in our corridor has been mobilized and streamlined by the ReZone Albany updates. Throughout the ReZone process we engaged in conversations with the City of Albany Planning Department, the Common Council, and the Mayor’s Office to ensure new zoning laws would address the needs of small businesses in mixed-use corridors, and we’re glad to be seeing positive results,” said Patrick Noonan, Chair of the Lark Street BID.”
The new Lionheart Pub and Brewery now offers 48 drafts with three dedicated lines of their own fresh brew on both floors. The new second floor nano-brewery system allows flexibility to brew three different recipes per week, and the ability to accommodate requests from neighbors and homebrewers.
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 (518) 248-9770.
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