A few Sharon store owners are angry that not only have they lost parking in front of their State Street businesses but the city didn't tell them about the change.

A left turning lane that opened up for westbound traffic on State Street near Water Avenue eliminated a total of seven parking spaces in front of The Phoenix Restaurant & Lounge, Sharon Hotdog Shop and Golden Memories Jewelry.

Business owners complained to city council Wednesday about the loss of street parking and the fact that they weren't notified.

"You just went ahead and destroyed my business," said Glenn Siminick, owner of Golden Memories. "You're putting me and everyone else out of business."

"You want us out," Siminick said. "I want to know why you want us out. I'll go to Hermitage."

Jim and Maria Vournous, owners of The Phoenix, said they're losing business because of the loss of spaces in front of the restaurant. She said customers Wednesday were complaining and were "irate" when police asked them to move their vehicles from the street.

"We've never had any support from the city. You guys are just pushing us out. It's not fair," Mrs. Vournous said.

Older customers can't walk to the restaurant from far away, and the loss of street parking is inconvenient for to-go orders, she said.

"I want out of this town because it's always been a kick in the teeth," Mrs. Vournous said, adding that over the years the city has done other things to upset them.

Siminick said not that many vehicles turn left, and he thinks council should put a "No left turn" sign at the intersection. He said he stood outside and watched traffic and found hardly any drivers turning left.

Councilman George Gulla disagreed. He said many vehicles turn left, and drivers get caught at the light waiting for vehicles to turn left.

Gulla said he would meet Siminick today and watch the traffic. "I'll stay there with you all day if you want," Gulla said.

Councilman Raymond Fabian said he has heard a lot of comments from people who thought a turning lane was needed.

"We've talked formally and informally about that for years," Fabian said. "I think what we did was we tried to make it more convenient for drivers."

Gulla said store owners should have seen stories in the newspaper about the lane.

Council President Fred Hoffman said everything was discussed legally and publicly but admitted that the owners should have gotten a letter.

Sharon resident Carol Schwartz asked the business owners not to leave the city. "Please don't move. If you like a place well enough you're gonna park around the corner, across the street ...," she said.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at kgarrett@sharon-herald.com