Ferndale council approves two redevelopment liquor licenses, awards paving contract and selects preferred city manager

The Ferndale City Council voted unanimously on multiple items during its February meeting, approving two Class C redevelopment liquor licenses, awarding the 2025 pavement improvement program contract, approving the consent agenda, and selecting Colleen O’Toole as its preferred candidate for city manager, subject to contract negotiation and a background check.

Corner Shop Group LLC — 23337/23341 Woodward Avenue

The council approved a state of Michigan Class C redevelopment liquor license for Corner Shop Group LLC, a proposed hybrid bookstore/coffee shop by owners Matthew and Mary Abraham. The applicants described the concept as a daytime coffee and retail bookstore with a nighttime wine shop, emphasizing a neighborhood “third‑space” rather than a bar. Matthew Abraham said the property includes a small on‑site lot with about five spaces and that employees would be encouraged to use municipal monthly parking tags nearby. Council members asked about capacity and parking; the applicant said seating would be limited to 30 and that an ADA‑accessible parking space will be provided. The motion to approve the license passed unanimously (Johnson: yes;…