Ferndale · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ferndale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Downtown parking deficit and proposed deck at 165 E. 9 Mile
A developer wants to replace the city-owned surface lot and an adjacent parcel with an eight-story building: about 108 apartments, ground-floor retail, and a 233-space public parking deck. The city may use tax increment financing to help pay for the garage, and the Planning Commission postponed action to nail down whether the public really benefits from granting a height deviation.
Building height and downtown character
The proposal needs a 44-foot height deviation over the 55-foot zoning limit — the first eight-story building downtown. Opponents say it doesn't fit Ferndale; supporters say public benefits justify it.
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.
Vacant and abandoned building enforcement
A resident again pressed the council on a chronically blighted property at 1963 Symes, reporting abandoned vehicles and years of unresolved code violations, and asked for a status report on vacant properties citywide.
Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act application pending
The long-vacant former Eden Night Club will become a family wood-fired pizza restaurant thanks to a 9-year property tax freeze worth about $343,800 in forgone revenue. Once it expires, the city expects about $54,000 a year in new property taxes, plus 35 permanent jobs.
Cyclist Safety and Police Bike Lane Practices
Multiple residents said Ferndale's bike lanes force cyclists and turning drivers into dangerous conflicts, citing a fatal cyclist crash on Woodward. They asked the city to re-examine the design.
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.
Attainable Housing Facilities Act — possible missing-middle tax incentive
Commissioner Mikulski suggested the city offer pre-approved, ready-made plans for accessory dwelling units to lower costs for homeowners aging in place or adding housing.
Ferndale Public Schools campus renovation moves
Starting spring 2027, admin offices move to the Tri-County Educational Center and the middle school will temporarily move to the former Roosevelt building while the middle/high school campus is renovated — saving the district about $500,000 and cutting five months off construction. Busing, bell schedules, and shared staffing are still being worked out, with town halls planned.
Non-homestead operating millage replacement on November ballot
The district is asking voters to replace its 18-mill non-homestead levy so it keeps receiving the full state per-pupil allowance of $10,300. Homeowners won't pay more — it only applies to non-homestead property.
Data center moratorium extension
The city hit pause on any data center applications while staff writes rules for a land use the zoning ordinance doesn't currently address. That means potential infrastructure, environmental, and neighborhood impacts get studied before any project could be approved.
Lead service line replacement program funding
Consent items included water-related contracts: lead-related tank inspections, a water infiltration study at The DOT, and a water system emergency response plan update. Council also upheld denials of seven FOIA requests.
Mental Health Co-Responder Program continuation and cost sharing
Ferndale is keeping its mental health co-responder program — clinicians who ride along on mental health 911 calls — at up to $67,437 for the year. Oakland County cut its subsidy from about $180,000 to $60,000, and Ferndale only generates 15% of the four-community referrals versus Royal Oak's 46%, so the council directed the city manager to negotiate a utilization-based cost split.
Sidewalk repair cost relief for homeowners
The city is replacing deficient sidewalks across two districts — about 780 of 2,176 inspected properties — with costs assessed to property owners via the winter tax bill. Most bills will be under $500, but residents complained the inspection letters don't explain what's wrong with their slabs.
Water, sewer and sanitation rate study
The city spent about $1.08 million on a sewer camera truck and a Vactor sewer cleaner from the water and sewer fund. The equipment supports planned inspections, emergency repairs and lead service line verification, and council floated renting spare capacity to neighboring cities.
Pension systems consolidation
Voters will decide in August whether the city can run its police and fire retirement system by ordinance instead of charter. Staff say combining it with the well-funded employee retirement system could cut the city's annual pension contribution by 60-70% — roughly $800K–$1M a year — without touching anyone's benefits.
Fire Headquarters renovation planning
The city will spend $45,000 in FY27 to update the site and programming study for a possible public safety headquarters, looking at both a new site and the city hall footprint, with phased cost scenarios. A ballot proposal to merge police/fire pensions with general employee pensions could cut pension costs up to 50%.
Satellite restaurant liquor license at 505 Livernois
The council approved a Class C resort liquor license for Pretty Sharp, LLC's new Satellite restaurant in a converted Livernois warehouse. Neighbors largely support the project but worried about 2 a.m. closings, noise, and parking near Fielding and Stratford.
Northeast quadrant parking plan
Parking near Nine Mile and Woodward has been a persistent headache for businesses and visitors. The DDA is testing an employee parking pilot and has explored valet and permit options to manage the crunch.
Short-term rental enforcement at 2341 McDowell Street
New rules respond to about 140 complaints against 12 problem properties: licenses must be posted with max occupancy, noise monitors required, six-plus complaints triggers a City Manager meeting, and three violations in 24 months can cost a license. A proposed two-night minimum stay was dropped after owner feedback.
Loss of state-funded free smoke detector program
State budget cuts killed the program that gave the fire department free smoke detectors to hand out. The department is down to about three and will seek grants while continuing home safety inspections.
Immigration detention facility moratorium extension
Draft rules would define where immigration detention facilities could locate in Ferndale, and commissioners raised concerns about what conditions at holding locations would look like. The moratorium expires September 9 and must be extended while the work wraps up.
PATIO Zone social district expansion
The board adopted a management and maintenance plan for the downtown social district, which now goes to city council — a step toward allowing drinks-to-go in a designated outdoor zone.
Continued lawn and snow services for seniors and disabled residents
The city got another $43,000 for its senior and disabled resident chore/home repair grant program, enabling a fourth round of $5,000 grants.
Water billing estimated reads
A staff training mistake caused most Cycle 1 water bills to be estimated in January. Most estimates were based on actual prior reads and the city can adjust bills manually; residents who suspect a skewed bill should contact water billing.
Parks & Recreation 5-Year Master Plan update
The RFP for updating the five-year Parks & Rec Master Plan comes out in November, and PaRC and FAIAC representatives will help pick the consultant on a steering committee.
Grants for accessibility renovations
The commission was set to discuss grant funding that could pay for accessibility upgrades around Ferndale. If pursued, that money could make city buildings and public spaces easier to navigate for residents with disabilities.
$500,000 state grant for Fire Station #1 rehabilitation
State Representative Helena Scott delivered a $500,000 check toward rehabilitating Fire Station #1, whose poor conditions prompted a council-arranged legislative tour a year ago. The money will improve working conditions for Ferndale firefighters without raising local taxes.
Racial impact assessment of city policies
Five years after Ferndale declared itself an anti-racism municipality, the council has directed creation of a racial impact assessment. Councilmember Johnson said it should cover all city policies, not just policing as originally drafted.
Livernois Corridor Improvement Authority feasibility study
The council approved a $15,000 study exploring a Corridor Improvement Authority for Livernois, which could capture rising property taxes to fund lighting, facades, infrastructure and a possible Main Street program. Residents would get a voice on the board, but TIF capture diverts some tax growth from the general fund — a concern one resident raised. Findings come back to council this fall.
Eight Mile Road Water Main Replacement
The city is replacing 80- to 100-year-old water mains on Jarvis and Woodward Heights, including a section rated worst-consequence in a 2018 study. Planned replacement is cheaper and less disruptive than emergency main breaks, which often happen in winter.
Controversial Schiffer Park Concert
Multiple speakers criticized a city-permitted June 27 event at Schieffer Park, saying it featured anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric, Hamas flags and hostility toward Jewish counter-protesters, and urged stronger permit review and a public condemnation. Another speaker objected to display of IRGC-associated symbols. The council did not take formal action at this meeting.
Downtown Resource Officer contract
The DDA is paying $60,000 to keep a dedicated police officer serving the downtown district through June 30, 2027. Downtown businesses and visitors get a consistent, familiar police presence.
Filling the City Council vacancy
Donnie Johnson's seat is officially vacant. Fourteen people have applied, and council will hear candidates at a special forum May 6 or 7, with an appointment due by May 26.
Library Millages on August Ballot
The Ferndale Area District Library previewed a millage coming to the August 2026 ballot — expect to hear a lot more about it.
Off-Leash Dogs in Public Parks
A 30-year resident described a dog charging a child at Harding Park and asked for stronger leash law enforcement and signage at park entrances.
Balloon Ban Ordinance
Ferndale just banned balloons—both releases and decorations—so no more balloon arches or send-offs at city events. If you're planning a party, you'll need to swap in alternatives. The rule is aimed at reducing litter and environmental harm.
Charter Amendment: Council Resignation to Run for Mayor
Right now, a council member has to resign their seat before running for mayor, triggering appointment musical chairs. The amendment going to the November 3 ballot would end that requirement, but questions remain about how the resulting vacancy rules should work.
Proposed mixed-use development at Bermuda and E. 9 Mile
Cypress Partners is floating a PUD with a 7-story building, 250-space public parking deck, 86 market-rate apartments and retail on the city-owned lot behind Como's plus an adjacent private lot. Residents are worried about traffic near Woodward, the city's $12–15 million bond, building scale, and losing the open corner used for festivals.
Downtown valet pilot and Credit Union One lease
The city is leaving Comerica after years of fee hikes and clunky service. Huntington won an RFP among five banks, saving roughly $46,000 a year in fees. Residents' tax and water payments won't be disrupted — payments now come straight to City Hall.
FYE 2027-29 Triennial Budget
The city's three-year budget cleared its first reading with no public comment and will come back for final adoption on April 27. This document shapes what Ferndale spends on services, streets, parks, and public safety for years ahead.
Ferndale Pride alcohol-free status
Council approved Pride's permit and suspended the patio zone, keeping the event alcohol-free this year. A heated debate erupted over a proposed petition-based objective process for future closures; the Pride organizer warned that requiring business signatures and short notice could jeopardize the event's finances and future.
Capital Improvement Plan 2027-2032
Council adopted the six-year capital roadmap identifying nearly $99 million in desired projects — roads, water mains, parks, and City Hall/police facility work — though funding is not secured. About $28 million is tied to lead service line replacement.
Kulick Community Center reopening
Reopening the Kulick Center is estimated at $6-7.6 million due to failed major systems from flooding and vacancy. Purchase negotiations are ongoing with no FY27 cost impact yet; more analysis is due before FY27 starts.
RX Kids program participation
Councilmember Johnson wants Ferndale to join RxKids, a program giving expectant families $1,500 prenatal and $500 monthly after birth. The city's share would be about $92,000 a year for three years, matched 95% by the state — but one resident pushed back, saying the city can't afford new spending after recent cuts. No vote was taken.
LifeLab Kids expansion at 3178 Hilton Road
LifeLab Kids will replace its greenhouse at 3178 Hilton Road with a two-story classroom building, adding therapy rooms and helping the youth services organization serve kids from six weeks old up to age 26.
GLWA rate increases
GLWA is proposing 6.83% water and 5.98% sewer rate hikes for FY2027, which Ferndale must pass through to residents. The council adopted a formal opposition resolution and is encouraging residents to attend GLWA's public hearing and lobby regional representatives.
Community Input Over Government Surveillance Ordinance
Ferndale is drafting its first set of rules for approving and overseeing government surveillance tech like license plate readers. Residents say the draft lacks teeth — they want shorter data retention, a real definition of 'exigent circumstances,' enforcement penalties, and guarantees data won't flow to federal agencies. No vote yet; a revised version comes back February 9.
License Plate Reading Cameras
Multiple residents told the council to reject automated license plate reader cameras (Flock/Axon), calling warrantless tracking of daily movements an Orwellian Fourth Amendment problem that could chill visits to dispensaries, rallies, and other local businesses. The council took no vote on cameras at this meeting.
Surveillance Camera Policy
Ferndale is pulling its Flock license-plate surveillance cameras after privacy concerns. If you care about who can track your car around town, this is a direct win for privacy—but it also takes a tool away from police.