ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) -- Many people working in downtown Rockford say the inconvenient parking system there is driving them out.

"There's a huge parking problem here. There's nowhere else to park," said Beverly Davis.

Davis is begging for a change. She owns Taking Care of Our Seniors on Wyman Street and says everyone in that area struggles with the same issue.

"The closest parking lot is miles away, and then you're looking at safety, so sometimes we don't even allow them to park in the lot because of safety issues and all of the crime that's going on along here," said Davis.

There are no spots in front of Davis' business and most nearby parking spaces are either private or have a time limit.

"I've gotten numerous tickets, back to back, days at a time, if I'm 2 minutes late, they're right there," said Misty Kretschmer who works with Davis.

Davis say that, on a daily basis, she and her coworkers will have to move their cars several times, often switching from one parking lot to another.

Architect Gary Anderson is starting to take a serious look at this issue.

"We need to adapt to the changing landscape of our downtown and what is the most viable and acceptable practice," said Anderson.

Davis has already decided to move her business because of these concerns. She's afraid that if nothing changes, many others will too.

"Unless they get a handle and provide parking, it's a huge limit. You're not gonna wanna come down," said Davis.

The River District Association along with city leaders say they are discussing ways to improve the parking system. Some have also suggested adding "pay-to-park" machines as a way to bring in revenue.