Ferndale · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ferndale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Bike Lane Delineators and Street Amenities Purchase
At least 60 new Cassidy-style trash receptacles will be bought for downtown, capped at $55,000.
Traffic and circulation at 9 Mile and Bermuda
Only one garage entrance, off Bermuda, has many worried about backups on 9 Mile and Woodward. Only a trip-generation estimate exists — no full traffic study — and the commission asked for a more thorough analysis.
Speeding and safety near Ferndale High School on Central
A 25-year resident asked the city to concrete-close Central Street just before the high school entrance, saying speed bumps, signs, and enforcement haven't stopped cut-through speeders where kids board buses.
West 9 Mile Reconstruction Project
The commission reviewed discussion points on the West 9 Mile reconstruction with an eye toward accessibility. Details of what was raised are not in the minutes.
Nine Mile sidewalk and concrete improvements
The DDA is investing in better downtown signage and sidewalk work, and just added nearly $104,000 to the engineering contract to keep it moving.
Leaf collection fleet modernization
The city is phasing out four leaf vacuum trailers that date back to 1957. The new $112,222 machine is the third of four modern replacements, supports the weekly (rather than every-other-week) leaf pickup, and is safer for workers. The fourth is budgeted for 2028, and DPW also floated future parking restrictions on leaf and street sweeping days.
Winter operations and road salt supply
Council approved up to $123,609 in road salt plus $125,000 in snow removal equipment to stock up for the 2026-2027 winter, after last season required higher-than-average salt use.
2026 Pavement Marking Program
The city is spending $70,990 to seal pavement joints and cracks citywide, the cheapest of four bids and below the engineer's estimate — preventive maintenance that delays pricier road repairs later.
Parking lot design and sidewalk safety
Commissioner Foster flagged a recently paved parking lot that sits flush with the sidewalk with no curbs or stops, calling it a safety hazard. Staff will review the new parking lot design standards and potentially propose an update requiring more separation.
Improved SMART bus Woodward routes
As of January 5, the 461/462 FAST Woodward routes run every 20 minutes on weekdays with later service times, a win for commuters into Detroit and Pontiac.