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Community
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Flagrant Issues: Barbara
Antonsen Memorial Park Concept
Letter to the Editor submitted by M.R.
Sedona, AZ - As a Sedona resident I am curious about what has happened
between the time the Friends of the Posse Grounds first
approached the city with the idea of "restoring the historic
stage and surrounding landscape" with a "small park for
families and friends," to what it has morphed into today.
There is no resemblance between what was originally presented
for 100+ people or presented in article after article through
2005-2006 on their website, and what this project has turned
into (700+ person venue).
Current rendering:
Question for the incumbents and candidates - why has this
happened? They need to reverse this decision to its original
intent, but will they?
Another point to call all candidates' attention to would be the
proposed use of the Arizona State Parks grant money toward the
funding of Barbara's Park. Using any of those funds would be
breaking the conditions of the Public - Private agreement
that the city entered into with the Friends of the Posse Grounds
on 5/24/2005. That agreement calls for the Friends of the Posse
Grounds to raise their own funds. For the city to contribute
funds violates the terms of this agreement. Are the candidates
aware of that? I don't think they want to get drawn into the
perception of the ethics involved in violating their own
agreement. I'll bet the State Parks Department would withdraw
their permission to use the money for Barbara's Park if they
knew the city was breaking an existing agreement with the
application of those funds.
Sedona does need a nice performance center for 700 (or even 2000
people) for residents and visitors. It should be located in a
central place that does not disturb or access through existing
neighborhoods - such as off 89A near Yavapai College. The Posse
Grounds area Memorial Park should remain what was presented to
the public on 12/15/2004.
I do not live near this proposed venue, but I feel that all
residents should be concerned about the process that occurred
here. What our Planning and Zoning, Mayor and City Council has
allowed to occur at Posse Grounds Park could happen to anyone in
Sedona, if we do not call them all to task. No more "behind the
scenes" planning. We want transparent government processes and
public input must be included from the very earliest planning.
P&Z must be fixed soon. It must not simply be a route to any
development, but the gatekeeper.
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