Ferndale keeping free parking while new pay stations on order

FERNDALE, Mich. (WXYZ) - Ferndale City Council voted Monday night to implement a new parking policy on March 25th.

Parking has been free in the city for the last few weeks because of complaints over new pay stations and rates.

Some rates had doubled in prime parking locations.

Some residents were also upset because there weren't enough pay stations available and they had to wait in line to pay.

Monday night, City Manager April Lynch announced that Ferndale has ordered 14 more pay machines in hopes of shortening wait times.

Lynch also told city council that she is looking into installing lights near pay stations so people feel safer paying at night.

City council voted to reinstate parking rates beginning March 25th. The cost will be 50 cents per hour during the enforcement period from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The new lights should be installed within the next month and starting May 1st, the enforcement period will be extended from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ferndale's mayor says the city will have to increase parking rates eventually to raise money to expand parking and build new structures and lots.