Howdy!

If you have a moment, spend it taking a walk along West Nine Mile.  It is only at that level that you will fully appreciate the work that has been accomplished and start to really visualize how it's going to look, once it is all together. 

We did that just yesterday and found ourselves impressed with things you don't often notice but are components of  Gussy Up I.  Things like:

• Irrigation lines to keep future new landscaping fully hydrated, alive and beautiful
• Precisely-laid brick pavers, softening corners and denoting a change in grade.
• Planting beds that are distinctly different.
• Sparkling black concrete that gives depth to the sidewalk and oft times, leads to a future park bench, which will be buttercup yellow.
• Light pole bases, awaiting fixtures.
• More pavers .
• And right now, a coat of fresh black asphalt, all new and smooth and now ready for traffic. 

These are the sights that ALMOST make you forget about the orange barrels that are still out there.

On that note, we are happy to report that some orange barrels (pictured above) will be leaving the construction zone for good, soon -- maybe today.  Those just east of Planavon on West Nine (in front of Local and Assaggi), will be gone, opening up on-street parking on the north side of the road. 

Today the flipping of the traffic from the south to the newly-asphalted north side will occur.  Once flipped, work will begin on the south side on Monday, Aug. 5.  That work will include removal of driveways, curbs and sidewalks, immediately followed by the installation of temporary aggregate to provide access to every business.  Some businesses will be more severely impacted by this process than others, but crews are dedicated to limiting disruption and short duration of closed driveways.   

Dairy Queen will be hard hit by the construction as their driveways are completely reconfigured.  In consideration of that, the Ferndale DDA is promoting a CASH MOB for this Saturday, Aug. 3.  We have already posted it as an event on facebook and will send it out in our general public email newsletter.  We would be happy to schedule and help promote a Cash Mob for your business as well.  Just give us a call and we'll get it going!

For the past 15 weeks I've ended this update urging you to call with questions.  This week I'd like to add a big THANK YOU to everyone for being so patient and understanding during this process. We are on the road to a great new West Nine and you have all had a significant role in the transformation of this part of Downtown Ferndale.  You are now and forever a part of the history of How the West was One.  The Ferndale DDA is dedicated to making sure you are a Gold Rush Survivor.  So, I still and again urge you to call -- with questions, for help, to make suggestions.  Dial 248-546-1632 and we'll listen.

Hope to hear from you soon!