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Owner of new PS Flowers in Warrenville urges city to resolve parking and permit issues
Summary
PS Flowers owner Patty Sorensen told the council that loss of curb access and restrictions on a gravel lot are threatening her new downtown shop’s ability to operate; a longtime resident said curb relocation after streetscape work removed historic parking and customers have received tickets and towing notices.
Patty Sorensen, who opened PS Flowers in the former blacksmith shop last week, told the council she needs nearby gravel parking for customers and deliveries to sustain the business. “We really need our gravel parking lot to park,” she said, describing steady customer interest from surrounding towns but saying parking restrictions and ordinance enforcement have hurt operations.
John Bolling, who spoke in support, recounted the property’s history and argued the recent streetscape work moved the curb cut and removed on-street parking that once provided egress to the building. Bolling said customers have been ticketed and towed and warned that if the parking problem is not fixed “she's gotta go back to Wheaton.”
Sorensen said the business has plans for outdoor garden space and community use but cannot operate effectively without reasonable access for customers and deliveries. She asked the council and staff to meet quickly to clarify parking rules, address apparent errors in paperwork, and resolve any temporary-parking arrangements.
Mayor Andrew Johnson and council members suggested meeting with staff and aldermen to attempt a prompt resolution; staff and the mayor asked the owner to make time for a follow-up meeting so the city can work on an accommodation. No formal action was taken at the meeting; the mayor encouraged staff, the development director and relevant aldermen to meet with the owner to pursue a local solution.
