The Ferndale Frond
@ferndalefrond.bsky.social
Tracking development news, urban planning, transit, local biz, news, and history in Ferndale, MI. Not @royaloakacorn.bsky.social, but totally ripping them off.
Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of the Special Land Use.
✅ Moschelli
❌ Newman
✅ Azar
✅ Pawlica
✅ Hall
✅ Tsubakitani
✅ Brazen
🤐 Foster
😶🌫️ Showalter
Then they voted to table site plan approval, as the applicant would like to make changes. All present voted 'yes', except Hall voted 'no.'
✅ Moschelli
❌ Newman
✅ Azar
✅ Pawlica
✅ Hall
✅ Tsubakitani
✅ Brazen
🤐 Foster
😶🌫️ Showalter
Then they voted to table site plan approval, as the applicant would like to make changes. All present voted 'yes', except Hall voted 'no.'
The car wash proposal will now be reviewed at this Wednesday's Planning Commission meeting. 6:30 PM at City Hall.
People will rightly bring their pitchforks to this one, but maybe a better idea is to bring vacuum cleaners (there are electrical outlets in council chambers, right?).
People will rightly bring their pitchforks to this one, but maybe a better idea is to bring vacuum cleaners (there are electrical outlets in council chambers, right?).
🧵 The Ferndale Planning Commission will review a proposal for an El Car Wash at its meeting this Wednesday, July 16, 6:30 PM at City Hall. The project would go on the former Tim Hortons site at 22230 Woodward (SE corner of Woodward & College).
(1/9)
(1/9)
August 21, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of the Special Land Use.
✅ Moschelli
❌ Newman
✅ Azar
✅ Pawlica
✅ Hall
✅ Tsubakitani
✅ Brazen
🤐 Foster
😶🌫️ Showalter
Then they voted to table site plan approval, as the applicant would like to make changes. All present voted 'yes', except Hall voted 'no.'
✅ Moschelli
❌ Newman
✅ Azar
✅ Pawlica
✅ Hall
✅ Tsubakitani
✅ Brazen
🤐 Foster
😶🌫️ Showalter
Then they voted to table site plan approval, as the applicant would like to make changes. All present voted 'yes', except Hall voted 'no.'
The car wash proposal will now be reviewed at this Wednesday's Planning Commission meeting. 6:30 PM at City Hall.
People will rightly bring their pitchforks to this one, but maybe a better idea is to bring vacuum cleaners (there are electrical outlets in council chambers, right?).
People will rightly bring their pitchforks to this one, but maybe a better idea is to bring vacuum cleaners (there are electrical outlets in council chambers, right?).
🧵 The Ferndale Planning Commission will review a proposal for an El Car Wash at its meeting this Wednesday, July 16, 6:30 PM at City Hall. The project would go on the former Tim Hortons site at 22230 Woodward (SE corner of Woodward & College).
(1/9)
(1/9)
August 18, 2025 at 2:34 PM
The car wash proposal will now be reviewed at this Wednesday's Planning Commission meeting. 6:30 PM at City Hall.
People will rightly bring their pitchforks to this one, but maybe a better idea is to bring vacuum cleaners (there are electrical outlets in council chambers, right?).
People will rightly bring their pitchforks to this one, but maybe a better idea is to bring vacuum cleaners (there are electrical outlets in council chambers, right?).
"Parents have withdrawn their children from the public realm because they perceive the public realm as dangerous — and they aren’t wrong."
archive.ph/Flwy2
archive.ph/Flwy2
Opinion | They Let Their Children Cross the Street and Now They’re Felons
www.nytimes.com
August 6, 2025 at 2:36 PM
"Parents have withdrawn their children from the public realm because they perceive the public realm as dangerous — and they aren’t wrong."
archive.ph/Flwy2
archive.ph/Flwy2
The changes in facilities, and in ridership, are always going to be incremental. But let's keep incrementing.
Biking booms in the Motor City: More lanes, fun rides — and high fatalities - Bridge Michigan
Recent strides in Detroit’s biking infrastructure have some wondering if the city can become a cycling hub. However, bike and pedestrian safety continue to be an issue.
bridgemi.com
August 1, 2025 at 11:18 AM
The changes in facilities, and in ridership, are always going to be incremental. But let's keep incrementing.
Reposted by The Ferndale Frond
Packard Coup On Woodward North Of 8 Mile (c.1938)
Ferndale, Oakland County Michigan.
#vintage #photograph
#ferndale #oakland #michigan #detroit #packard #cars #classiccars
Ferndale, Oakland County Michigan.
#vintage #photograph
#ferndale #oakland #michigan #detroit #packard #cars #classiccars
July 28, 2025 at 6:23 AM
Packard Coup On Woodward North Of 8 Mile (c.1938)
Ferndale, Oakland County Michigan.
#vintage #photograph
#ferndale #oakland #michigan #detroit #packard #cars #classiccars
Ferndale, Oakland County Michigan.
#vintage #photograph
#ferndale #oakland #michigan #detroit #packard #cars #classiccars
Reposted by The Ferndale Frond
One of our local festivals, which has been in a downward spiral due to mismanagement, pulled out at the last second. Ferndale city government stepped up and replaced it with Ferndale Market Days, happening this weekend. They could’ve advertised better but it’s the first year, so go check it out!!!!
Calendar - Ferndale
www.ferndalemi.gov
July 10, 2025 at 11:05 AM
One of our local festivals, which has been in a downward spiral due to mismanagement, pulled out at the last second. Ferndale city government stepped up and replaced it with Ferndale Market Days, happening this weekend. They could’ve advertised better but it’s the first year, so go check it out!!!!
Planning Commission meeting is now cancelled! Check back next month, I guess.
🧵 The Ferndale Planning Commission will review a proposal for an El Car Wash at its meeting this Wednesday, July 16, 6:30 PM at City Hall. The project would go on the former Tim Hortons site at 22230 Woodward (SE corner of Woodward & College).
(1/9)
(1/9)
July 14, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Planning Commission meeting is now cancelled! Check back next month, I guess.
🧵 The Ferndale Planning Commission will review a proposal for an El Car Wash at its meeting this Wednesday, July 16, 6:30 PM at City Hall. The project would go on the former Tim Hortons site at 22230 Woodward (SE corner of Woodward & College).
(1/9)
(1/9)
July 13, 2025 at 12:55 AM
🧵 The Ferndale Planning Commission will review a proposal for an El Car Wash at its meeting this Wednesday, July 16, 6:30 PM at City Hall. The project would go on the former Tim Hortons site at 22230 Woodward (SE corner of Woodward & College).
(1/9)
(1/9)
"So now when the phone rings you've got to answer 'Vander Ley Industries'."
"Vander Ley Industries? What do I do?"
"...You scam Ferndale businesses."
archive.ph/ITgVF
"Vander Ley Industries? What do I do?"
"...You scam Ferndale businesses."
archive.ph/ITgVF
Brothers created identically named firms to ransom, harass Ferndale businesses: Nessel
The Michigan Attorney General's Office is asking a judge to dissolve 17 limited liability companies created by the brothers.
www.detroitnews.com
July 5, 2025 at 10:53 AM
"So now when the phone rings you've got to answer 'Vander Ley Industries'."
"Vander Ley Industries? What do I do?"
"...You scam Ferndale businesses."
archive.ph/ITgVF
"Vander Ley Industries? What do I do?"
"...You scam Ferndale businesses."
archive.ph/ITgVF
A proposal to build an El Car Wash at the former Tim Hortons site (22230 Woodward Ave) will be up for review at the Planning Commission meeting on July 16 at 6:30 PM at City Hall.
I will follow up with more info when the meeting agenda is posted.
I will follow up with more info when the meeting agenda is posted.
June 26, 2025 at 12:34 AM
A proposal to build an El Car Wash at the former Tim Hortons site (22230 Woodward Ave) will be up for review at the Planning Commission meeting on July 16 at 6:30 PM at City Hall.
I will follow up with more info when the meeting agenda is posted.
I will follow up with more info when the meeting agenda is posted.
"Project Highlights:
• Does not include any bike lanes on the roadway. Instead, the project expands the existing sidewalk to a 10ft multi-use path on the north side of 11 Mile."
This is annoying, but there are occasional parcels that eat up an extra chunk of the usual right-of-way width.
• Does not include any bike lanes on the roadway. Instead, the project expands the existing sidewalk to a 10ft multi-use path on the north side of 11 Mile."
This is annoying, but there are occasional parcels that eat up an extra chunk of the usual right-of-way width.
Road Diet coming to Madison Heights!
Madison Heights DDA
Powered by Local Business. Inspired by Community.
downtownmadisonheights.com
June 23, 2025 at 6:40 PM
"Project Highlights:
• Does not include any bike lanes on the roadway. Instead, the project expands the existing sidewalk to a 10ft multi-use path on the north side of 11 Mile."
This is annoying, but there are occasional parcels that eat up an extra chunk of the usual right-of-way width.
• Does not include any bike lanes on the roadway. Instead, the project expands the existing sidewalk to a 10ft multi-use path on the north side of 11 Mile."
This is annoying, but there are occasional parcels that eat up an extra chunk of the usual right-of-way width.
Syndicate's owner plans to open a barbecue restaurant called Smokehaus in the M Brew house later this summer. She has also taken over the lease at Bobcat Bonnie's space, but not decided on a concept.
#FerndaleEats
#FerndaleEats
Dana Taucher debuted Syndicate in downtown Ferndale 2 years ago - here are the details on her next two ventures:
Syndicate owner is doing her part to keep Ferndale's downtown scene fresh
Hospitality veteran Dana Taucher opened Syndicate cocktail lounge in late 2023 and will debut barbecue restaurant Smokhaus later this summer.
www.detroitnews.com
June 19, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Syndicate's owner plans to open a barbecue restaurant called Smokehaus in the M Brew house later this summer. She has also taken over the lease at Bobcat Bonnie's space, but not decided on a concept.
#FerndaleEats
#FerndaleEats
Graffiti Kitchen is advertised as "coming soon" in the windows of 157 W 9 Mile. Empty since 2020, this space was formerly La Feast Mediterranean Grill, and China Ruby before that.
Same owner as Qahwati, apparently, so perhaps it will open in 2026...?
#FerndaleEats
Same owner as Qahwati, apparently, so perhaps it will open in 2026...?
#FerndaleEats
June 13, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Graffiti Kitchen is advertised as "coming soon" in the windows of 157 W 9 Mile. Empty since 2020, this space was formerly La Feast Mediterranean Grill, and China Ruby before that.
Same owner as Qahwati, apparently, so perhaps it will open in 2026...?
#FerndaleEats
Same owner as Qahwati, apparently, so perhaps it will open in 2026...?
#FerndaleEats
Why would a Ferndalian lie about their taxes when it's an easy look-up on BS&A?
1) This guy actually pays $8,900.
2) The Royal Oak house will be uncapped next year and then its taxes will be $12,500.
So almost the exact opposite of what he claims. Lies and misinformation.
1) This guy actually pays $8,900.
2) The Royal Oak house will be uncapped next year and then its taxes will be $12,500.
So almost the exact opposite of what he claims. Lies and misinformation.
June 12, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Why would a Ferndalian lie about their taxes when it's an easy look-up on BS&A?
1) This guy actually pays $8,900.
2) The Royal Oak house will be uncapped next year and then its taxes will be $12,500.
So almost the exact opposite of what he claims. Lies and misinformation.
1) This guy actually pays $8,900.
2) The Royal Oak house will be uncapped next year and then its taxes will be $12,500.
So almost the exact opposite of what he claims. Lies and misinformation.
Reposted by The Ferndale Frond
When we push for walkability, bike lanes, and good transit, it's called "forcing a lifestyle."
But when the auto industry traps you in a car-dependent society and drains your wallet, that’s somehow called “freedom.”
Got it...
But when the auto industry traps you in a car-dependent society and drains your wallet, that’s somehow called “freedom.”
Got it...
June 11, 2025 at 7:42 PM
When we push for walkability, bike lanes, and good transit, it's called "forcing a lifestyle."
But when the auto industry traps you in a car-dependent society and drains your wallet, that’s somehow called “freedom.”
Got it...
But when the auto industry traps you in a car-dependent society and drains your wallet, that’s somehow called “freedom.”
Got it...
Reposted by The Ferndale Frond
MDOT is having two open houses on their Woodward Corridor Plan, which could include bus and bike lanes if we speak up!
The first is at Birmingham Baldwin Public Library, 3-6pm on Thursday, the 12th.
The second is at Cadillac Place in room L150, 2-6pm on Tuesday June 17th.
The first is at Birmingham Baldwin Public Library, 3-6pm on Thursday, the 12th.
The second is at Cadillac Place in room L150, 2-6pm on Tuesday June 17th.
June 10, 2025 at 8:05 PM
MDOT is having two open houses on their Woodward Corridor Plan, which could include bus and bike lanes if we speak up!
The first is at Birmingham Baldwin Public Library, 3-6pm on Thursday, the 12th.
The second is at Cadillac Place in room L150, 2-6pm on Tuesday June 17th.
The first is at Birmingham Baldwin Public Library, 3-6pm on Thursday, the 12th.
The second is at Cadillac Place in room L150, 2-6pm on Tuesday June 17th.
Better transit, you say?
This is a Ferndale city council candidate worth watching.
(I also know of one other candidate who is not worth watching, and I have not heard what the two incumbents are doing yet.)
This is a Ferndale city council candidate worth watching.
(I also know of one other candidate who is not worth watching, and I have not heard what the two incumbents are doing yet.)
I want Ferndale to maintain what’s working, spend wisely, and advocate for better transit so car ownership isn’t the only option.
You can read the full story of saying goodbye to “The Zoom” (and see a bonus image) over on my website: quinnforferndale.com
You can read the full story of saying goodbye to “The Zoom” (and see a bonus image) over on my website: quinnforferndale.com
June 10, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Better transit, you say?
This is a Ferndale city council candidate worth watching.
(I also know of one other candidate who is not worth watching, and I have not heard what the two incumbents are doing yet.)
This is a Ferndale city council candidate worth watching.
(I also know of one other candidate who is not worth watching, and I have not heard what the two incumbents are doing yet.)
Many people are saying
Ferndale is so cool, spent a good bit of time there on this trip and will for sure be back
June 9, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Many people are saying
Reposted by The Ferndale Frond
Local restaurant chain Bobcat Bonnie’s has closed another one of its stores following months of financial turmoil.
Bobcat Bonnie’s closes Ferndale location
Once boasting six restaurants, this chain has closed all but one within the past year
www.metrotimes.com
June 2, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Local restaurant chain Bobcat Bonnie’s has closed another one of its stores following months of financial turmoil.
Embarrassing. Ferndale councilmember Laura Mikulski writes about the need for more civil online discourse, then uses former mayor Melanie Piana's comment as an opening to publicly air an old grievance. Hard to reconcile the call for civility with immediately cranking up the temperature.
![A screenshot of a Facebook comment thread. At the top, Melanie Piana writes: "Wish more people would push back at this type of behavior in Ferndale too toward elected officials, especially when it's happening to your women officials. The misogyny I had to deal with while others stayed silent creates environments where this type of behavior online and in person becomes normalized. Elected officials are not doormats and should not tolerate bullying, and more important, call it all while it's happening."
Below this, Laura Mikulski responds: "In general I agree with you. When you were publicly dragged during your final council meeting as mayor, I was ready to fight that fight for you — because no matter our differences, no one deserves the personal attacks you had to endure. It was cruel and unfair, and I would've street brawled for you. It's hard to square that sentiment with the friction you and I have had through the years. Like the time I left what I believed was an olive branch gathering of female public officials at your house — only to later hear that you badmouthed & laughed at me the moment I walked out the door. I showed up in good faith. You showed your hand. And when you spread false claims in 2023 about Ro & I being anti-affordable housing — during Pride, while Rolanda Kelley was running for council — I confronted you directly and asked for a public apology. You had a lawyer respond on your behalf with this line: 'No apology is merited, and none will be delivered.' I keep that letter above my desk as a reminder — not just of how quickly accountability gets replaced with defensiveness, but of how easily the language of bullying gets weaponized by those unwilling to look in the mirror. In your own State of the City in 2023 before the incident with Ro and I, you asked the community to 'be kind to candidates,' to 'call out misogyny,' and to 'lead with empathy.' I believed you. I wanted to believe you. Solidarity isn't about who's..." [character limit reached]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:bzscnwgjiuqjnjh45gr35tsa/bafkreibngwbzmrnotszqfcnrucd3igryyvkgy5635l7ltira4bpmbjpdpm@jpeg)
May 26, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Embarrassing. Ferndale councilmember Laura Mikulski writes about the need for more civil online discourse, then uses former mayor Melanie Piana's comment as an opening to publicly air an old grievance. Hard to reconcile the call for civility with immediately cranking up the temperature.
Reposted by The Ferndale Frond
if you recognize this shape we've probably passed each other
May 26, 2025 at 2:29 AM
if you recognize this shape we've probably passed each other
Relevant for Ferndale
It’s hard out here in these street fairs: for @sherwood.news a look at the increasingly challenging economics for street fairs and fests sherwood.news/business/the...
The economics are rapidly becoming impossible for your favorite street festival
It’s hard out here in these streets as inflation and tariffs heat up....
sherwood.news
May 19, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Relevant for Ferndale
Thank you, Ferndale voters, for passing the Headlee override.
And thank you, Mayor Leaks-May and Councilmembers Johnson and Pawlica, for having the courage to put this request on the ballot.
And thank you, Mayor Leaks-May and Councilmembers Johnson and Pawlica, for having the courage to put this request on the ballot.
May 7, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Thank you, Ferndale voters, for passing the Headlee override.
And thank you, Mayor Leaks-May and Councilmembers Johnson and Pawlica, for having the courage to put this request on the ballot.
And thank you, Mayor Leaks-May and Councilmembers Johnson and Pawlica, for having the courage to put this request on the ballot.
People in the Fabulous Ferndale Forum are frothing over identical water bills without realizing usage is charged by the centum cubic feet (CCF, 748 gallons). So, depending on where your last cycle finished, you could use, say 11.01 CCF or 12.99 CCF and be charged 12 CCFs in either case.
May 5, 2025 at 6:45 PM
People in the Fabulous Ferndale Forum are frothing over identical water bills without realizing usage is charged by the centum cubic feet (CCF, 748 gallons). So, depending on where your last cycle finished, you could use, say 11.01 CCF or 12.99 CCF and be charged 12 CCFs in either case.