"I think it would be unfortunate if people turned CTown into a negative thing. The fact remains -- there are hundreds of people walking by these stores because of CTown, and the businesses are reaping a greater reward," Courtemanche said. "It’s a reward that far outweighs not being able to park right in front of a store downtown."

When Cynthia Jones, owner of Mahogany 2000 beauty salon opened her doors at 50 Main Street six years ago, she didn’t realize that customer parking would be an escalating problem. Last year when she heard that CTown was going to be her new neighbor across the street, Jones felt it would affect her business to the point where she would have to close up shop.

"It’s a problem, especially toward the evening. But what can we do? I’m forced to think I may have to leave," Jones said. "And, people are afraid to park in the back at night. I don’t think that anything will be done."

Steve Fries, manager of Burritts Music World, located on Main Street said that CTown has not had an adverse effect on his business. But Anna Miele, owner of Anna’s Tailor Shop has been feeling the parking crunch more directly. Only a few doors down from the entrance of CTown, Miele says her business has suffered greatly.

"When CTown first came in, my business was slowed down so much I didn’t know if I was going to be able to pay my electric bill. I was going crazy. I called the Chamber because I started to worry," Miele said. "I have customers who have had to circle around the block five times before getting a space, and I feel so bad for them. I get nervous when they park in front -- because some of them only have to come in for a minute -- but I get so nervous that they might get a ticket. They should give us businesses each two spaces in front. I have old customers, so for them walking from the back is not good for them. I hope they do something about this."

Bill Millerick, chamber of commerce president, has met with many small businesses about their concerns, and says that the development of other street parking options is critical. Millerick examples the success of West Hartford Center, and encourages chamber members to see the potential benefits down the line.

"We anticipated that parking would be an issue. Parking issues are going to come with development, but this seems to be isolated to certain times during the day. For most of the day, parking is available," Millerick said. "CTown has been an overwhelming success and we want more customers to come because it has the potential to bring in new business. Some of the businesses that I’ve talked to said CTown has increased customers for them."

For the last 10 years the Old Nutmeg Shoppe, located on Main Street across from CTown has sold grocery items, including canned foods, as well as convenience items. Frank Hasan, store manager says that CTown is affecting his business in many ways.

"A lot of customers complain. I think the supermarket is not a good idea and should be in a different part of town. I have customers who just want to buy a lottery ticket and they have to circle around and around to find a space," Hasan said. "My groceries aren’t selling. Local people who buy milk, beans and bread go there to buy it now. My items are not moving at all. I think it will be hard to run the business now."

Courtemanche says the Downtown District is continuing to monitor the situation.

"We are talking to retailers in the area, and we’re always looking for ways to increase parking. The fact is that CTown is one of biggest economic developments for downtown in the past 10 years because it’s bringing so many people downtown."

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey can be reached at ffraser@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext. 306.