FERNDALE, Mich. – Just a month after implementing new parking rates and pay stations, the city of Ferndale is temporarily putting the brakes on all parking fees for the next two weeks.
Read more: Ferndale parking meters creating confusion, frustration
The city's decision is in response to negative reaction from the community. During Monday night's City Council meeting, the increase in parking passes and rates was one of many complaints. For example, on-street parking has, for some spaces, gone from 50 cents each hour to a dollar.
As for the pay machines, so far they have proven to be far from user-friendly. Businesses say it's driving customers away.
City leaders admit there is a flaw in the system.
"The machines aren't working to our and our visitors' satisfaction, so I think it's incumbent upon us not to start charging for the system until we get it right. We have a duty to get this right," said Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter.