by Cyndy Hardy

Sedona, AZ - Apr. 24, 2008 – On Apr. 22, the Sedona City Council instructed staff to investigate the process of bringing forth a minor amendment to the Sedona Community Plan to include a course of action for a National Scenic Area designation and an alternate route.

The city council’s close 4-3 vote in favor is indicative of the rift both issues have caused in the community for at least 20 years. Vice Mayor Jerry Frey, Councilman Ramon Gomez and Councilwoman Nancy Scagnelli opposed the motion.

The city will not put the issues on the ballot because the resolution being sought is tied to public opinion, not legislation. City Attorney Mike Goimarac said the amendment process may be the most appropriate way for the city to initiate a public ‘vote’ on the issues.

As worded, the motion means that city staff will further investigate the amendment process. The council must still decide whether to move forward. If it does, the proposed amendments will be subject to an intense public process as provided in Arizona Revised Statute 9-461.06 and Section 18 of the Sedona Community Plan.

Perhaps the most significant consideration is that the city council has no direct authority in either issue. But if the amendments go through, the city might have political weight to persuade county and state officials to take action.

National Scenic Area designation (NSA)

Greater Sedona residents have long battled to stop land trades that could potentially lead to development of about 160,000 acres of forest land surrounding the city. That land is currently protected by a unique amendment to the Coconino National Forest 10-year plan.

NSA proponents, lead by the local civic organization Keep Sedona Beautiful, say Amendment 12 is vulnerable to change because the forest service plan is reviewed periodically. An NSA would make the protection practically permanent – it could only be revised by an act of the U.S. Congress.

NSA opponents say the legislation KSB helped prepare contains language that might prevent the community from developing necessary infrastructure and services. In short, many say it takes discretionary power away from the community.

KSB members insist it does not. City council support for an NSA has vacillated over the years; however, the current council is not convinced that the legislation contains the best language.

The forest plan is scheduled for review in 2009. Local authorities say Amendment 12 will be integrated into the plan – no longer an amendment – thus achieving the more permanent protection sought by NSA proponents without losing local control.

“I don’t see the NSA as the same issue it was a year ago when we weren’t sure it would still be in the plan,” Ms. Scagnelli said.

KSB members often say that the legislation was worked on by staff members in Senator Jon Kyl’s, Senator John McCain’s and Representative Rick Renzi’s offices. However, none of the legislators have yet introduced the bill into Congress.

“I have a problem moving any special interest group’s intent forward,” Mr. Gomez said. “If [the NSA] has federal support, it will move through. Let’s focus on issues we have jurisdiction over.”

Alternate Route

Sedona has two main arterial roads, Hwy. 89A and Hwy. 179. There was a third route south of the city limits, connected by a low-water crossing at Red Rock Crossing. The crossing washed out in the 1970s, and was never rebuilt.

As the city and surrounding areas grew, part of the community sought to rebuild the crossing. Others opposed a new bridge; some to preserve the “pristine” scenic aesthetics, others to limit additional development in the area.

Supporters, one of the most vocal groups being Citizens For an Alternate Route, say an alternate route would relieve traffic congestion and improve emergency access. Some supporters say Red Rock Crossing is the most logical location for an alternate route. Other supporters say if not Red Rock Crossing, an alternate route must be put somewhere. As the years have passed, most alternatives to Red Rock Crossing have been lost to private development.

The preferred alternate route is not within the Sedona city limits, which opponents have said is reason enough that the city council should stay out of the discussion. Proponents say the city has a right – if not a duty – to advocate for an alternate route because its residents and businesses are directly impacted by not having one.

Civic and public bodies on both sides of the issue have conducted many studies, polls and surveys over the years. The results are predictable.

“The trouble with studies and surveys is that the results are always debated,” Councilman Harvey Stearn said.

The key public official who could directly move the issue forward, Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis, has repeatedly said he will never support an alternate route at Red Rock Crossing. Mr. Davis has said he would consider another route, but not until the community finds consensus on a location.

“Mr. Davis’ refusal speaks to his leadership.” Mayor Pud Colquitt said angrily. “We have the highest tax base in the county and this is a regional issue. It shouldn’t be about whether you’re for or against it.”

KSB member Cole Greenberg said, “We would like an alternate route. But, who’s going to pay for it?”

Ms. Scagnelli found his comment “interesting.” Yavapai County has built several roads in the Verde Valley in recent years. Mr. Davis has said consensus is an important factor. If others share Mr. Greenberg’s perspective, they might find that the funding is there, she said.

To be continued …

Amending the Sedona Community Plan will not pave a road or save the forest.

As Ms. Scagnelli said, “The only way the alternate route issue will be resolved is if one is built.”

The same may be true about the NSA – it will never be resolved until it is a reality. Until then, the community will continue to debate both issues and spend more public money to test the public pulse.

© 2008 Cyndy Hardy. This article may not be reproduced, republished or distributed without written permission from the author.
 

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