"We'd like to open up the waterfront" and perhaps create some small parks, Ulman said. A few places in town, including Tiber Park, off Main Street, and a group of picnic and park benches near the cluster of stores at Tonge or Tongue Row provide water views.
Whatever the county does, Carney says, there's sure to be a wide range of opinion among business owners.
While some are faring better than others in a tough economy, he said, "for the most part, I think business is good."
At I Love Theatre, a Main Street store specializing in sports and theater paraphernalia, co-owner Michael Kornstein says there's nothing the county can do to help his business short of handing out spending money.
"Three-quarters of the people who walk in don't have money to spend," said Kornstein, whose store has been open since 1995 and in its current spot since 1997. "That's the problem. ... People don't have the kind of money they used to have."
Bounds, though, said there's nothing the county needs to do. Asked how her business is doing, she answered quickly: "Fine, or I wouldn't be here for 50 years."
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