City of Schenectady shutters Ambition Coffee

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kassie Parisi

This order to vacate notice from the City of Schenectady was taped to the door of Ambition Coffee and Eatery on Sunday.

Ambition Coffee & Eatery, a bohemian cafe located in the middle of Schenectady’s bustling Jay Street area, has been closed due to code violations.

Both notices of violation and an order to vacate the property issued by the city’s Code Enforcement Bureau on Sunday, were posted on the door of the cafe, located at 154 Jay Street.

According to the notices, high carbon monoxide levels, both structural and electrical issues and unspecified unsanitary conditions prompted the bureau to close the business.

In order for the cafe to reopen, it is required to install vents and emergency lighting in its restroom, according to an electrical permit issued by the city that was also placed on its door. That work is estimated to cost approximately $170, according to the notice.

The notices called for the violations to be corrected immediately, prior to anyone being permitted to reenter the building, except for repair work.

Typically, Ambition is open for breakfast and lunch, and on some occasions, such as when Proctors has a later show, for dinner as well. The cafe opened in 2000.

Owner Marc Renson could not be reached for comment on Sunday. Phone calls to the coffee shop itself went unanswered.

As of Sunday afternoon, the business had not addressed the closure on either its website or social media pages.