About Town: Council Says “No” To 3-60
The controversial 3-60 Proposal is dead for now. At the City Council Meeting on March 9, Council members decided not to extend exclusive talks with developer Jake Sigal, effectively nixing the plan.
The 3-60 Proposal would have seen the construction of multi- story developments on Withington and West Troy, including parking garages, residential units, and office space. Proponents saw the project as a way to alleviate parking concerns and breathe new life and investment into downtown Ferndale. Opponents, including many existing businesses on 9 Mile, feared negative impacts like snarled traffic, enormous cost, skyrocketing rents, and a massive facade out of character with Ferndale’s image.
Mayor Dave Coulter spoke with Ferndale Friends about the decision. “The 3-60 proposal addressed many of the goals the city had identified for years, including more parking but also increasing the amount of people that live and work downtown to better support retail. But Council was also determined that any development of this nature needed public input, and it had to fit the unique character of our city. The goals are still relevant to the future success of downtown, so we’ll take what we’ve heard and learned as we work with businesses, the DDA, residents and others on how to solve these issues.”
Council members had similar sentiments, and it was noted that parking problems around downtown remain unaddressed. As of press time, there’s no word on any new proposals.
