Ferndale · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ferndale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Youth sports training facility concept at 1975 Hilton
A prospective developer pitched a concept for turning the vacant industrial site at 1975 Hilton into something new — early-stage conversation only, with no application or action required yet.
Storage facility at 1640/1700 E. 9 Mile
A Special Land Use and Site Plan request for an indoor self-storage facility was scheduled for public hearing, including a proposed waiver for curb cut locations along Wanda Street.
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.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month proclamation
Council declared November Lung Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting that screening for high-risk people can cut lung cancer deaths dramatically and urging residents to learn about early detection.
Bike Lane Delineators and Street Amenities Purchase
At least 60 new Cassidy-style trash receptacles will be bought for downtown, capped at $55,000.
Backfill of Retirement and HR Specialist Position
The city's Retirement and HR Specialist leaves November 13, and HR asked the council to approve filling the seat right away. Roughly two-thirds of the position's cost is covered by the Ferndale Employees' Retirement system, so the hit to the general budget is limited.
AI Acceptable Use Policy for City Operations
Ferndale now has formal rules for how staff, contractors, and volunteers can use AI tools. Copilot is the only broadly approved chatbot, sensitive data like Social Security numbers is off-limits, and the person using the tool owns any mistakes. Council members asked for tweaks on anonymization, accessibility, and source citations before it passed.
Replacement of 2019 Horton Ambulance
The fire department's oversized 2019 ambulance doesn't fit current needs, so the city is listing it for sale at $70,000 while the new smaller Braun ambulance arrives in December. Sale proceeds will offset the cost of the new rig.
Ferndale centennial celebration and task force
Ferndale turns 100 in 2027, and the city is opening applications for a centennial task force starting November 10, with a December 1 deadline. Members will be announced December 14 and the group will plan community celebrations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Martin Road Park construction and playground equipment
The city accepted a $1.63M construction bid for the Outdoor Recreation Support Facility, plus engineering and testing contracts, funded largely by $2.1 million in grant money. Construction is set for this summer.
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.
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.