Many of Nelson’s downtown businesses have written a very strongly-worded open letter to the mayor, council and residents.
Among their concerns is a feeling the city is “adversarial” to the business community.
It complains about a lack of consultation on infrastructure upgrades and failure to address many issues on the street.
Over 50 businesses say the downtown is in an incremental state of decay.
Tom Thomson with the Chamber says the initial letter was a grassroots movement by the businesses themselves but the Chamber will now be advocating on their behalf.
The letter cites parking congestion, panhandling, loitering and open drug use among their concerns.
However, Nelson mayor Deb Kozak rejects the accusation of hostility towards businesses.
Kozak says the city is doing the best it can regarding social issues, will have more beat officers on the street from next month and is working on strengthening its smoking bylaws.