Melanie in the News
Oakland County 115: August 2021
Ferndale Joins Neighboring Cities in Banning Source of Income Discrimination
Ferndale City Council voted Monday to approve a Source of Income Discrimination ordinance which would allow the city to levee a fine on landlords who refuse to rent to people based on their income type, or who advertise exclusion (such as “no Section 8.”).
Three businesses confirmed for ‘dot’ retail space
“I look forward to seeing all these businesses in this new development,” Mayor Melanie Piana said. “(We’re) very excited. We’ve been waiting for this moment to make these announcements, also delayed because of the pandemic.”
Human-Centered Solutions, Recovery, & Roadways Part of Ferndale Mayor’s Annual Speech
“We are emerging from the tail-end of this pandemic in a different world than we did at the beginning. I feel different. Maybe you do too. Perceptions about what is possible have changed. How we work has changed, what we expect from each other, too.”
Small Cities Can’t Manage the High Cost of Old Infrastructure
“The No. 1 reason people move to Ferndale is because of our walkability,” says Piana, “and the No. 1 complaint I get from residents is they feel uncomfortable and unsafe getting across this eight-lane corridor.”
Stateside Chat: Small Cities, Big Infrastructure Challenges
“Our biggest infrastructure priorities really are retrofitting major streets that we don’t own so that they better serve the people of our community improving safety. We also have a stormwater improvement focus so that we can address changes in the climate.”
Ferndale's Ringwald Theatre to reopen inside Affirmations LGBTQ center
“The Ringwald has been an anchor cultural institution uplifting our local arts community and nurturing our creative, entrepreneurial spirit," she said in a statement.
Short Term Rentals Under Debate in Lansing w/Local Control at Risk
“Cities need the ability to develop tailor-made responses to the conditions and circumstances created by short-term rentals.”
Public News Source (Radio Interview)
Local MI Communities Join Global Campaign for Carbon Neutrality by 2050
"We really look forward to having our residents put real thought and ideas into, 'What are the best strategies for F
Ferndale police to work with Common Ground to help those in crisis
Ferndale Mayor Melanie Piana thanked police and the city manager’s team for working with Common Ground to offer a “human-approach solution” to those with crisis-level mental health problems.
Ferndale hosts county COVID-19 vaccine clinic next week
“I’ve been speaking to residents, business owners, and employees, and this is a real want -- a real need -- in Ferndale,” she said.”
Ferndale Mayor Announces Re-election Bid
Ferndale, Detroit take next step in partnership to improve intersection
Ferndale considering regulations for Airbnb/Short Term Rentals
Responding to residents’ complaints about Short Term Rentals. “They didn’t sign up to live next to a hotel when they bought their house. So there’s a balance here that we’re trying to achieve.”
Not in our house: Affirmations & LGBTQ+ supporters fight protestors
Standing up to hate with love. Raised $1000 for Affirmations in response to discrimination.
…Michigan cities weigh how to spend $4.4 billion windfall from federal stimulus law
Ferndale officials are considering using the federal stimulus funds to restore jobs in the recreation department that had to be cut last year when money got tight amid the economic upheaval of the pandemic, Piana said.
Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge moving ahead with Woodward Avenue road diet plans
“(MDOT’s construction is) gonna happen regardless,” she said. “We can either work with them and make some safety improvements that get us a little bit further along, or we can wait another 10-15 years to do it all.”
Ferndale reduces scopes for Wanda, Geary park
“I think all of council, back in March … were very disappointed that we had to take this off the table ... because of the pandemic and the uncertainty of where the pandemic was going to hit the city’s budget and the impact.”
Building Bridges: Ferndale Mayor Earns Spirit of Detroit Award
“I view my position as one that strives to improve the quality of life for not only my Ferndale residents but also residents in adjacent cities such as Detroit’s neighborhoods that border 8 Mile.”
Ferndale's first multilevel, mixed-use parking development opens to the public
“This building is here for multiple purposes: foot traffic, retail, people living here and working here with office space that is planned.”
Ferndale Outlines Ways to Improve Affordable and Inclusive Housing
“The data proves we have changing demographics. Stagnant housing does not respond to the needs of the community and I think this gets us moving in the right direction.”
Ferndale, Detroit to host meeting addressing concerns over Woodward and 8 Mile intersection
“So the approach to beautifying the intersection is really adding more lighting and making it feel more comfortable to go through the intersection.”
C & G News: June 2020
City of Ferndale, school district pass measures declaring intent to fight racism
“Ferndale has designed our organizational values around diversity, equity and inclusion, and try to our best ability to live up to those values to meet the needs of all of our residents.”
Detroit and Ferndale face needs of homeless as they look to improve 8 Mile and Woodward
“Really what we’re for here today is a commitment to address and solve these challenges.”
Ferndale begins the process to replace lead service lines
“…the state has made it very difficult and challenging for cities to actually pay for this replacement with the few options they’ve provided already.”
Speaking to Secretary of Transporation Pete Buttigieg during the National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting in March 2020.