I would like to see some evidence that crime in Ferndale is any worse than it has been in the last 30 years. I'm not saying it isn't, but that isn't my impression. It appears to me that Ferndale's biggest problem is the regional economy which has reduced property values and provoked an excessive level of foreclosures.

Independent drug stores are going out of business everywhere, and I don't see any reason to think that one was viable. There is a CVS about a block from there.