SEYMOUR — Town officials are interested in leasing the parking lot of the now-closed New Haven Copper Co. building on Main Street in order to increase the availability of spaces downtown.

Town Economic Development Director John Criscuolo said he's waiting to talk with Olin Corp. officials about negotiating a lease for the parking lot. Business owners and downtown patrons have complained about the limited parking in and around Main Street for several years. "It would help us relieve the parking situation for the merchants," said Criscuolo. "There's only a certain number [of spaces] on the streets. When people are shopping, they need places to park."

First Selectman Robert Koskelowski said that if a deal with Olin were made, about 25 additional spaces would be made available.

Olin Corp., based in Clayton, Mo., closed the longtime copper facility in November 2006, citing reduced demand for copper and copper-alloy strip products. About 50 people worked at the copper mill, which was one of the town's major employers. The facility had been part of Olin's brass division since its acquisition in June 2001.

Patrons are allowed to park in most downtown parking spaces for up to two hours before receiving a ticket. Bank of America has a lot on the east side of Main Street, but only bank customers may use it. There is also a lot used by Metro-North Railroad commuters.

Kathleen Conroy-Cass, owner of St. Anthony's Book and Gift Shop, likes the idea. She's in favor of

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anything to improve the tight parking situation in front of her store and others.

"If the town could get that open, it would be awesome," Conroy-Cass said. "Anything would help. It's packed at night out here."

Cheryl Gargano, of Stoddard Street, said she drove around downtown twice on Friday morning looking for a space to visit St. Anthony's. She said the lack of long-term parking may dissuade people from visiting.

"I imagine we'd have more people if the parking was not an issue," she said. "It would be nice if more parking was available."

Joe Valenti, co-owner of Joe and Carol Valenti's Cut & Style, said he's always wondered why the New Haven Copper lot has been left unused because it would serve a purpose.

"It would be really good if that opened up," Joe Valenti said.