Letter: We Will Get Parking System Right, Says Ferndale Mayor
Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter submitted this letter to the editor.
Ferndale Patch welcomes letters to the editor.
The following was submitted by Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter.
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Friends & Neighbors,
Please know that we at the city have heard your comments, complaints and suggestions (and yes, compliments) on the new parking sytem. I value your input and respect how frustrating this has been for many of us. We knew when the DDA proposed the system it would require an adjustment period, but frankly the amount of issues has been surprising.
Please also know that: 1) we're committed to getting this right, and we will evaluate all aspects of the system - mechanical, safety, and rates - to make sure we do; 2) we didn't approve this system to be like Birmingham, or anybody else (I'm proud to be 'Ferndale Normal!'), we did it to increase the pay options for customers and hopefully, someday expand parking capacity, too.
Thanks for your patience, and stay tuned.
Dave Coulter, Mayor
Chris Johnston
2:02 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
I appreciate the leadership we have in the City of Ferndale. Thank you Mayor Coulter.
Erik Roberts
5:14 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
Thank you, Mayor Coulter, for, at least, addressing that there is an issue. I honestly don't mind the new system it's not my favorite but its not the worst either. What I think this new system has done has taken a little bit of that "pay it forward" type of community out of Ferndale. Gone are the days of pulling in to a spot that still has time on it or putting more money in so the next person could benefit...even the new digital meters in R.O. tell you if there is time left at that spot. I don't drive around looking for that scenario it's just a bonus. It is the sense of community that brought me here to Ferndale...its unfortunate that little things like this chip away at that fabric.
janet eggen
8:59 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
I hope the city considers the elderly. Not good timing to implement the system in the winter. Ferndale lost its small town feel. A huge hassle when running in to pick up a carry out or a short shopping trip.
Kathleen Curavo
9:17 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
I was at the library today and thought if I had a small child, books and had to fumble for change, I wouldn't be very happy. All that...and don't forget that four digit number.
Carey Gustafson
10:53 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
Thank you, Mayor, for staying connected to the residents. This is very, very frustrating. The City Of Ferndale has been on quite a wave for many years. People invest in their properties from their savings. They watch out for their neighbors. They frequent the Post Office, the banks and the market. This meteorite of change has hurt our community and the complaints of the people are on repeat. There's now NO MYSTERY why people are freaking out. This fix needn't be a long and complicated one.
Motown Voice
6:50 am on Tuesday, February 19, 2013
I don't hear a single person "freaking out" except for 2 or 3 drama-tites here in the Patch.
Most people I hear from don't care about it all that much. Ferndale is a progressive city, so it tries new things either to save money, or be ahead of the curve. When you try new things, there's a bug curve that follows. We get it.
The only thing that "hurts our community" is people bad mouthing it.
Alexander Wojcik
12:19 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
"Hopefully, someday" aren't words that justify a price increase, if we are to believe it is for the common good. (A parking structure)