Ferndale Planning Commission Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Ferndale Planning Commission met on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM at City Hall. The primary agenda item was a discussion of a proposed public-private mixed-use development at the northwest corner of Bermuda and E. 9 Mile Road. The meeting also included the introduction of two new planning commissioners and an update on zoning amendments related to immigration detention facilities and data centers.

Consent Calendar

• Commissioners Showalter and Hall were excused (motion by Commissioner Izar, second by Commissioner Brazen; unanimous).
• The agenda was approved as written (motion by Brazen, second by Izar; unanimous).
• The March 18, 2026 draft planning commission meeting minutes were approved (motion by Manwell, second by Izar; unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Janet Laldis (resident, 23 years): Expressed concerns about density, traffic on 9 Mile, loss of public green space, and the building's scale and design not fitting Ferndale's character. She noted the development could exacerbate already high congestion.
• Mike (resident, 17 years, restaurant worker): Raised traffic concerns especially at the alley entrance, questioned the city's financial commitment (estimated $12–50 million bond), the return on investment, and past parking structures (referencing the DDA's parking structure). He urged transparency and opposed further tax breaks without clear public benefit.
• James Van Steele (resident, 5 years): Questioned the alley access point due to pedestrian and drunk traffic, suggested fewer net parking spaces could reduce density and scale, and recommended preserving some public plaza space at the site.
• Jonathan (resident): Criticized the design as generic and not reflective of Ferndale, and questioned affordability (market-rate rents estimated at $1,900–$2,700/month).

Discussion Items

Potential Development at Bermuda and E. 9 Mile Road

• Developer Presentation: Mike Parks (Cypress Partners) and Jason Krieger (Krieger Klad Architects) presented a concept for a 7-story mixed-use building with 86 apartments (74 one-bedroom, 12 two-bedroom), 250 parking spaces (86 reserved for residents, 164 public), and 2,800 sq ft of ground-floor retail. The site includes a city-owned lot behind Como's and an adjacent private lot. The project would be financed via a revenue bond (not a general obligation bond) and a brownfield TIF (tax increment finance). The developer noted that the first floor of the parking deck could be operational within 9–12 months.
• City Staff and Commission Discussion:
  • Traffic and circulation: Multiple commissioners and the public raised concerns about the alley access (two-way traffic, proximity to Woodward), potential congestion on 9 Mile, and pedestrian safety. The city plans to conduct a traffic study and a parking study.
  • Design and scale: Commissioners noted the building's height (7 stories) would be the tallest in Ferndale, potentially out of character. Concerns about blank walls at street level and the need for activated corners (especially at Bermuda and 9 Mile). The developer committed to refining design based on feedback.
  • Parking: The net gain of 119 spaces was clarified to be less when accounting for lost spaces from previous developments (e.g., 141 Vester). EV charging, accessible parking, and potential for employee permit parking were discussed.
  • Affordability: The project is entirely market-rate; developer stated that requiring affordable units would undermine the TIF financing needed to repay the bond for the parking deck. Some commissioners noted the need for more two-bedroom units.
  • Financial risks: The developer assured that the project is a single-phase with a completion guarantee, reducing risk of unfinished residential portion.
  • Alternative access: Some suggested focusing on Bermuda Street access rather than the alley.
• Public Comments: Residents emphasized the need for pedestrian-friendly design, traffic studies, and realistic cost projections. The DDA director noted operational needs for deliveries and trash access via the alley.

Administrative Items

• Introduction of New Commissioners: Alexander Manwell and Alan Hejl were introduced. Manwell has a background in civil engineering and real estate appraisal; Hejl has served on the Accessibility Commission and brings disability access perspectives.
• Immigration Detention Facilities and Data Centers: Staff reported that consultants (OHM) completed a zoning analysis. Next steps include an internal legal review and a planning commission workshop to determine whether to ban or regulate such uses. The current moratorium expires in September/October 2026; an extension is possible.
• Update on Previously Approved Projects: Staff provided status updates on six projects, including 1120 E. 9 Mile (extension granted, demolition soon), 3101 Bermuda (permits expired), and 651 Livernois (site listed for sale). No action taken.

Key Outcomes

• The commission and city will proceed with a formal parking study and traffic study to inform future decisions.
• The developer will refine the design based on public and commission input, particularly regarding alley access, building height, and street-level activation.
• A future public hearing will be scheduled once a formal PUD application is submitted.
• The planning commission will hold a workshop on the zoning amendments for immigration detention facilities and data centers at a future meeting (likely June 24, 2026).
• New commissioners were officially seated.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM.