The Westcott Theater can no longer host live music performances now that Syracuse common councilors have revoked its permit. The unanimous decision came after weeks of reviewing evidence from code enforcement and Syracuse police about violent, late-night disturbances in and around the theater.
District councilor Jimmy Monto said it’s time for a reset where hopefully the concerts and other events can resume.
“Nobody wants to see live music leave Westcott Street. That would be crazy. It's been there forever," he told reporters after the vote. "However, nobody also wants to see bullets flying on Westcott Street or stabbings inside of establishments.”
Council president Rita Paniagua said it was a difficult decision.
“We value the years the Westcott has operated as a theater, most of that time without the issues we are confronting today," she said before the vote. "What we want in the end is a theater that lifts up this neighborhood, is a good and respectful neighbor, and is a place where performers, patrons, and residents all feel safe.”
Reports of fights and disturbances increased sharply in early 2025 and spilled into the street after events. The city closed the theater for a week that June for fire and other code violations and for not having an entertainment license. Monto said venue operators need to be held responsible.
“You answer to the people that live in that neighborhood to make sure that you're respecting the public safety, to make sure you're doing exactly what you said you're going to do when we issue those special permits," he said. "So I think the message is, you know, get it together.”
Monto said councilors and the mayor are meeting with event promoters Tuesday so they understand how to keep everyone safe, no matter the venue.
“Because very often they're put in the position where they go in, they promote an event in a space, they are thinking that there's enough security there because the owner is responsible for that," he said. "In this case, I think they thought everything was okay and it really wasn't.”
Theater owner Dan Mastronardi left council chambers before reporters could talk to him.
