FERNDALE, Mich. – People who live, work or play in Ferndale will get an opportunity to weigh in on how well new unmanned parking meter stations are working for them.
Ferndale recently replaced 900 individual parking meters with 20 pay stations in public lots. They also increased the hourly rate by 25 cents.
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Story: Ferndale parking meters creating confusion, frustration
Some people have complained about lighting around the stations, long lines and mechanical problems. They are also not thrilled with the higher price to park.
The city of Ferndale has said that the problems are more than users' learning curve.
"I'm unhappy when my customers are unhappy," said Edward Chudnow, owner of Better Business Systems Group in downtown Ferndale.
Chudnow's business is near Ferndale lots with the new parking payment system. He is concerned that the parking system will hurt business in the city.
"If they would change the rates after 5 o'clock to the 75 cents, take advantage of the night traffic at the bar without punishing the small businesses during the day, that would be a big benefit," Chudnow said.
Ferndale city council said they will address complaints about the parking stations next week.