Downtown Bridgeport shop owners ask for cut of parking meter profits

Shop owners in Downtown Bridgeport are asking for a cut of the city's parking meter profits to boost their business.
Some business owners say parking meters are scaring potential shoppers away due to the fear of getting a ticket. In response, the asked city officials at a meeting to help promote the area and build the economy.
"We lose a lot of customers because of the parking. I think they should suspend downtown parking and help business come up ... everybody can be happy and pay the bills, make everyone come to Downtown Bridgeport," says Valerio Fernandes, of Funchal American Buffet.
Lynn Mosher-Howell, of Rapha Massage, is hoping to increase advertisements in order to "flip the script" about the area.
At least one council member was receptive to the idea.
"Well nobody likes the tickets ... but it's something to look at," says Councilmember Ernest Newton. "How we distribute that money back into the business community."
The area's meters are only in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, but merchants say lunchtime is one of the busiest parts of the day.