LAWRENCE — Maria Thomas opened a Spanish restaurant at 445 Essex St. two years ago. But it wasn't until two-way traffic was restored early this summer, giving Las Palmas better visibility, that business really picked up.

But now that she's serving more people, Thomas said she's also getting complaints from diners who are being ticketed for overstaying their one-hour welcome in Essex Street parking spaces.

"Customers are like, we can't eat in an hour," Thomas told city officials last night. Thomas hopes parking around the restaurant can be extended to two-hour intervals. City officials last night said they are willing to help her.

The city last night hosted a public forum for residents and businesses to offer input on recent changes made to Essex Street. The downtown street was one-way toward Broadway for thirty years before it was reopened both ways in late June. Many businesses are reporting up to a 30 percent increase since then, said Thomas Schiavone, acting chief economic development director.

But four months after the change, leaders wanted to check back and "ask the simple question — Is this working?" Schiavone said.

Two-way traffic is keeping speed down on Essex Street, something that was a dangerous problem when it was one-way. But two-way traffic has brought some difficulties for merchants who say they are having trouble getting shipments delivered.

Lionel Metet of Aarons, a furniture leasing store, asked officials if parking spaces can be outlined along both sides of Essex Street. Right now, just large blocks on both sides of the street are outlined in white, but individual spaces aren't marked, leading to abuse.

Others complained about traffic congestion at Union and Essex streets. However, official said a series of traffic monitoring cameras, which will work with traffic lights, are being installed.

Schiavone, Maggie Rosinski, project manager, Kevin D'Andrade, project engineer, Jim Barnes, community development director, police Chief John Romero, and Deputy Chief Mike Driscoll were among those who attended last night's meeting.