"I have shopped at the now closed Sherwood Art Gallery, flower shop , and other businesses in the area. I currently shop occasionally at Mike's Market and dine at Sherwood Coney and 1915. The offerings don't fully reflect consumer preferences or the environment in which they want to have a retail experience. The newer stores look appealing but some turn me off as a consumer before I make it though the door due the bars on the windows, unkempt exterior front, and lack of continuity with the shopping district (ie. store offering exotic dance wear). I see many of my neighbors shopping in Ferndale on 9 mile and know that we have a similar reason for not walking around the block...Limited choice, safety, and overall aesthetics. I live on Warrington Drive in Sherwood Forest, with my backyard adjoined to an alley Ave.Fash businesses utilize for deliveries. During special events held on the Avenue, my street becomes a significant safety hazard due to patrons parking on both sides of my street limiting resident access to their driveways; and blocking the street for emergency vehicles (fire trucks). Parking should be addressed to accommodate the existing businesses and any future growth. While residents want to support the businesses we are also frustrated with the limited planning to identify special event and additional regular parking so as not to infringe on the residential area (note: parking in residential areas is not permitted in Royal Oak for Arts, Beats, and Eats). Residents whose backyards back up to the alley for Livernois businesses are concerned with the current state of cleanliness, safety/traffics access of the alley. While this doesn't seem like a big concern, it does impact security of individuals walking or parking near the alleyway, and creates a health hazard (rodents,trash, etc) in back of the businesses."

---