How Do YOU Feel About Ferndale's Future?
During his State of the City Address on Thursday, Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter described a city that is 'growing stronger' despite economic challenges and a positive outlook for the future. Tell us what you think about Ferndale's present and future.
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On Thursday night, Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter presented his State of the City address at Valentine Distilling where he said Ferndale is "getting stronger" and there are many reasons to be optimistic.
Coulter highlighted many positives for the city including a vibrant downtown, decreasing vacancy rate and recent cost-savings partnerships. He said the city has been tested in recent years with falling property values and unemployment, but said he believes the worst is over and the city is "poised to prosper" from the economic recovery that is just beginning.
What do you think?
Here's what some community members thought about Coulter's speech and the state of the Ferndale:
- Councilman Mike Lennon: "I think Dave is right on target. Ferndale is a community that has vision. We don't think in the past, we don't think in the present, we look to the future."
- Councilman Dan Martin: "He painted a very realistic and positive outlook for Ferndale," Martin said. "We live in a great town and I think the mayor was able to highlight that tonight."
- Jeannie Davis, president of the Ferndale Seniors group: "I thought it was very forward thinking," she said, adding that she appreciated the mayor's comments on diversity. "Our diversity and our open-mindedness is what gives us strength. I never thought of that before."
- Councilwoman Melanie Piana: "I think he struck the right balance of looking at some of the financial issues the city is facing and also putting the city on the future path of more growth," she said, adding that the city staff is very influential. "We have a fantastic team."
- Jeff King, owner of the soon-to-open Woodward Imperial: "My experience in Ferndale has been nothing but positive so far," he said. "It's a great time to be here and we are ecstatic we got in when we did."
- Cristina Sheppard-Decius, Ferndale DDA executive director: "I agree with all of it. I think Ferndale is definitely on the cusp of exponentially growing."
How would you describe the current "state of the city" for Ferndale? How do you feel about the city's future? Tell us in the comments section below.
In This article
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Valentine Distilling
161 Vester St, Ferndale, MI -
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Ferndale Downtown Development Authority
149 W 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI
Ferndale Resident
7:57 am on Saturday, March 31, 2012
I enjoy living in the city, despite some of its flaws. My biggest concerns are the school district's low test scores and seemingly increasing rate of crime. I'm also concerned about how certain departments have received major cutbacks- namely the Police department and to a much lesser extent, the Recreation department. I'm happy the mayor is confident that the city is moving forward, but I would like to see him address these issues as well.
Easydude
9:56 am on Saturday, March 31, 2012
I purchase a home in Ferndale nine years ago. I was looking for a community that I could afford and in my old age walk to the markets, shops and restaurants. Really, you have everything you need in the city within walking distance.
However, I have notice an increase in crime, panhandlers asking for handouts, and poor choices made by the city and DDA.
The issue of crime needs to be addressed. When I moved to Ferndale, a curfew in place for anyone under the age of 16 yrs to be off the streets by 10p.m.. This past summer, a number of Royal Oak Township and Oak Park youths would ride bikes down Nine Mile making remarks. Ferndale Police stopped the youths and spoke with them. We have an excellent police department. I have seen a large increase of pitbulls being walked around the city. Next, we have our bike thief, he has been caught many times by FP. and our little midget who comes out at night between 8 -10 asking for money..lol.
We have the summer free lunch programs offered by the state. How many are residents of Ferndale? Do we still have a homeless shelter offered during the day from one of the local churches? Now, we have the plan parenthood office opening in the city. I understand the need but on Woodward Ave just blocks away from businesses that bring people into the city- -poor choices.
The number of rentals in Ferndale is an issue. Many of the homes are eye-sores.
Ferndale is a great place and I love her!
Joann
10:16 am on Saturday, March 31, 2012
I havew lived in Ferndale for over 45 years and have seen many changes. The last 10 years have shown great improvement. The diversity, the downtown, the events, all add uo to a great city. We have to endure cutbacks. That is something we cannot help, but if we get more involvement we will just get better. Volunteer!!!!!!! Join a group!!!! Just get involved. Don't just live here, be Ferndale.
Linda Baker
12:26 pm on Saturday, March 31, 2012
Lived in Ferndale for 20yrs now and have seen nothing but improvements in the downtown area - everyone has had to tighten our belts and seem to be getting things done in spite of it - as far as the recreation dept. not having cuts that simply isn't true, they voluntarily cut more than any dept. and have done without a director since last year when the director left for another job. They do an awful lot with a skeleton crew, including 13months of setting up partitions and tables/chairs for Ferncare before we were able to move into our home.
As far as I know there is no homeless day shelter in the city and didn't realize that there had been one, RO has a Unity Church on Crooks offering a day shelter but it is only open during the winter months - SOS still has many participating churches in the area for their wonderful program assisting homeless people (mostly families these days) with offices in Lathrup Village/Southfield area.
Ferndale has thrived when other cities have not because of being a progressive community, our residents and events that we host in our community - as Joann said become involved, there are many choices.
Kristin
5:23 pm on Saturday, March 31, 2012
I love Ferndale and I only see it getting better. As far as a renter's perspective, I am getting to the age where I am thinking about home ownership and Ferndale is the only place I'd like to live. I feel like the city council is very active in the community, as well as all of the local businesses. I feel proud to call this my home!
Dave Coulter
8:53 am on Sunday, April 1, 2012
Kristin - I'm proud to call Ferndale home, too! As I said in the speech, to me it's not just a city, it's a community and that's why I love it here. To address the issue of crime: even one crime is too many (and I know because it happened to me last year), but overall crime in Ferndale is dropping - a lot. The Police Chief reports that crime last year was down 12%, and is down 42% from 2007. I know it doesn't alsways seem that way, especially because incidents here are often in the media, but overall Ferndale remains a safe place. It helps that voters last year approved a millage that allowed us to avoid making big cuts in the department, so we still have a well staffed force. I also agree that strong schools and neighborhoods are important to the success of Ferndale, and both these issues ranked high on Council's list of priorities for 2012...we'll keep folks posted on the progress we make.