Ferndale Alleges Criminal Activity, Denies 8 Wood Motel License

FERNDALE, MI – City officials in Ferndale have targeted a second motel — the 8 Wood Motel, located at 330 W. Eight Mile Road — they say is a magnet for drug, prostitution and other criminal activity.

At a City Council meeting Tuesday, officials refused to renew the motel’s license. Last month, officials denied a license for the Motorama Motel, 100 Eight Mile Road, for the same reasons.

Police traced the death of a man whose body was found on a Ferndale homeowner’s lawn last April to heroin allegedly sold at the 8 Wood Motel.

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• Ferndale Officials ‘Out of Patience’ With Motorama Owner

The Daily Tribune reports that after the fatal overdose, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Narcotics Team witnessed more than 60 alleged drug deals during a two-week surveillance operation on and near the motel property, Ferndale Police Chief Timothy Collins told the City Council.

Rick Patterson, an attorney for 8 Wood owner Ken Patel — who isn’t related to Motorama Motel owner Phil Patel — said the problems at his client’s business aren’t as severe as the at the other property, and that security upgrades are planned.

Among them, Patterson said, are surveillance cameras, additional training for housekeepers to recognize and report suspected drug deals, and a better working relationship with police.

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Ken Patel, who has owned the 8 Wood Motel for two decades, has five days to appeal the council’s decision. Phil Patel appealed denial of his license, but lost.