ALBANY, N.Y.---Thursday night's "Pearl Live" event outside of Jillian's is one of the establishments last, its doors will permanently close after business Saturday night.
However, the closure has prompted a debate over the future of downtown, the mayor and the chief of police weighing in.
Michael Urgo has owned Jonathan's Pizza on North Pearl Street for 38 years. News 10 talked with him in his home Thursday night about some of the perceived changes downtown.
Urgo says the slow in business largely has to do with the economy, and blame can't be placed on the city.
Mayor Jennings and Albany police chief Steven Krokoff also went on the record Thursday, saying Pearl Street is a safe place to be.
Chief Krokoff says there is a difference between perceived crime and the actual occurence of crime, but also understands people need more than statistics to feel safe.
Urgo emphasized he has never had an issue 38 years, in terms of safety, but doesn't deny business has its ups and downs.
Urgo adds at the end of the day, news of a business closing its doors is never good news and is thankful for his patrons that have allowed him to remain afloat for decades.
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