Downtown parking issues are a big problem, according to some business leaders who spoke during an economic summit at Town Hall Tuesday night.

The Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Millburn Development Alliance sponsored the event for business owners to present ideas on how to make things better during tough economic times. It was standing room only in the meeting room.

The leadership from both organizations and the newly formed Millburn-Short Hills Business Coalition presented what each offers its members before each person present was given the opportunity to speak.

Several business people said the new pay machines in several of the parking lots are a contributing factor to a drop in business throughout the downtown area, noting the parking lots are also empty.

Joan Boiles, of the Millburn Feed Company, said she noticed the business dropped when the new pay machines were installed in the three parking lots.

"We saw a drastic change," she said. "We have heard so many complaints about them. People don't want to come here."

Boiles said Maplewood and Summit have free parking and better parking situations. It's difficult being sandwiched between two communities that have friendly parking situaitons, she said.

Nita Novy, of Nita Ideas, said her staff has parking permits, but often there isn't enough parking for them in the permit areas. They have to use the metered parking spots, she said, and they often get tickets.

Customers frequently complain about the parking situation, she said, and seeing parking tickets on adjacent cars leaves a bad taste in their mouth.

In addition to Tuesday evening's session on ideas to better serve business owners, the Millburn-Short Hills Business Coalition is sponsoring a survey of business owners and consumers on how they can be better served. Business owners were encouraged to take the survey.

Ralph Tarnofsky, chamber president and Professional Audio Consultants owner, outlined an upcoming Millburn-Short Hills Pride Day, which has no set date in September yet.

The event would feature a high-profile musical act, he said, at night in Taylor Park and a family picnic earlier in the day.