But whether the problems exist or not, store owners must still owners must still live with the loss of business that comes from the city's stigma.
Despite a new special that allows Christmas shoppers to pick up a pager for $99 for the whole year, last week's post-Thanksgiving sales at Genesis Beepers were disappointing.
"Yesterday was just alright," said proprietor Cesar Ruiz on Saturday. "Hopefully we'll have more people in here after Monday."
But others didn't seem to think that a new week would bring any change.
Danha Nguyen, the co-owner of Cathay Oriental Gifts and Fashions, said he is confident that the state's economy is picking up steam and even acknowledged that life in Chelsea is getting a little brighter.
But Nguyen made it clear that while high hopes may flow freely across the Tobin Bridge, money probably will not.
"In another place, maybe, but in Chelsea, I doubt it," he said. "I feel it's much better in general, but about business, I'm not sure."