Parking, pigeons and promotions drove a meeting of downtown businesses and property owners on Thursday.

Parking was topped a list of problems that was compiled by more than a dozen people with downtown interests including the Downtown Development Authority.

"If we are going to be successful downtown we have to address the parking issue," said Dawn Stevenson. "We have grown tremendously in the last 10 years. What have we done about parking?"

She and her husband own Fashion Crossroads, the old Tribune building and also live downtown.

But parking was only one part of the overall issue of drawing people into the downtown.

Charles Walsh, an entrepreneur who owns several buildings in and near downtown, said Casperites will walk a quarter of a mile to go into a mall, but won't use the parking garage and walk to a business. He wants to know why.

Part of the solution, Stevenson said, is for downtown businesses to fill a niche customers want.

"You become a destination point because people like to shop with you," she said.

Empty store fronts were also at the forefront of the discussion, as the group thought of ways to fill the vacant windows with businesses that stick around and attract customers.

Eggington's owner John Johnson said the spaces will need to be filled by local entrepreneurs. A city the size of Casper will have a difficult time attracting a national chain to its downtown.

Loan programs were also discussed, including the city's Section 108 loans, which provide low interest loans to those trying to expand or relocate in Casper's core.

After the Second Street project was completed, with trees, lighting and statues, the group asked about the possibility of Center Street renewal. City officials allotted one cent funds for the reconstruction, but the project was placed on hold for other more immediate issues.

But beyond Center Street, there was interest in improving the streetscape.

"If they like what they see, you have step one accomplished," said Bob Ide, a downtown property owner.

The group also discussed promotions, advertising empty spaces on-line and purchasing billboards encouraging downtown shopping, and security. There are already four street lamps in alleys downtown and plans for more.

Randy Pryde, co-owner of Movie Theatres Inc., which owns and operates the four downtown theatres, said vandalism and crime have decreased, "but we shouldn't let our guard down."

He and others discussed the possibility for not only increased lighting but also surveillance cameras.

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com