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Ferndale City Council To Vote On Drone Ban

FERNDALE (WWJ) - It could soon be illegal to fly a drone over Ferndale.

A vote is scheduled to be held at Monday evening's city council meeting on a new ordinance that would ban the trendy unmanned aircraft — often fitted with video cameras — across the city.

Supporters of the ban say as drones can be dangerous, and as drone technology becomes more accessible, they have concerns about invasion of privacy and misuse of drones.

On the other side is Harry Arnold, of Detroit Drone, who says detractors are failing to consider the usefulness of drones.

"I helped somebody look for a lost dog earlier last weekend, lost people," Arnold told WWJ Newsradio 950's Charlie Langton. "They can survey property; they can examine structures for damage."

Arnold believes Ferndale city leaders should learn more about drones before making any rash decisions. He planned to appear at Monday's meeting to speak out on the issue.

"I realize a lot of people have mixed feelings about drones, and they're afraid of drones outside of their window and so forth," he said. "But I think it would be wise to carefully study some of the facts."

Michigan State Police have approval for a drone designed to aid in investigations. Four troopers have been trained to control the device.

Earlier this month, Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law a ban on hunting with a drone or using a drone to harass hunters.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) already regulates the use of drones, and 15 states have laws banning drones, at least in part.

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