Ferndale, Detroit to host meeting addressing concerns over Woodward and 8 Mile intersection

DETROIT (WXYZ) — People living nearby the intersection of Woodward and 8 Mile tell 7 Action News it has been a spot for the homeless and littering for quite some time now.

“It hasn’t just started it’s been that way for years,” said Maria Dickerson, a resident.

Dickerson has lived in the Green Acres neighborhood for the last 29 years, and is the president of the local homeowners association.

She says over the years she has fielded questions and concerns from neighbors about the intersection.

“Our neighbors should be able to walk across the street to go to Meijer or any other stores in that gateway plaza, without fear, their kids should be able to walk through there without seeing any type of drug paraphernalia on the ground,” said Dickerson.

For the first time, the cities of Ferndale and Detroit are teaming up to host a Zoom meeting to address some of those concerns.

Part of the meeting will present ideas onhow to improve the intersection.

“So the approach to beautifying the intersection is really adding more lighting and making it feel more comfortable to go through the intersection,” said Mayor of Ferndale Melanie Piana.

There is still not word yet on when any type of construction of the intersection would take place.

There are also plans for both cities to get together to provide help for the homeless, providing social services for those in need.

“Art and lightening would be great, people want to be safe walking to the store making sure that they are safe community and that is important, but we also need to make sure that we are taking care of the homeless people that need a place to live,” said Keith Ferguson who lives in the Green Acres neighborhood.

The Zoom meeting will take place Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on how to take part in the meeting,click here.