Several business owners spoke at the public comment section of the City Council meeting on August 20th against the Durango Downtown Next Steps project. They said the number one problem downtown is parking, that the Next Steps project was ill conceived, and that the council is being  perceived as non-business friendly. City staff says the project aims to redesign downtown Durango to allow for increased outdoor space, expanded pedestrian zones, and slower speeds. The project will be discussed at the Next Steps Business Forum with the city, hosted by the Durango Chamber, the Business Improvement District, and Local First on Tuesday 8/27 from 8-10 at the Center for Innovation. City staff will be on hand to answer questions.