By Tommy Acosta
The city’s heart certainly seems to be in the right place with their consideration of providing homeless people who work in town a safe place to park their cars and sleep through the night.
Erecting toilets and showers also seem like a good idea and prove there is compassion in the hearts of the council members who, because of apparent insurmounntabl hurtles, cannot build affordable housing for underprivileged workers in Sedona.
We are still waiting, though, for an accurate count on just how many homeless workers are in Sedona and how many would take advantage of the program.
There seem to be quite a lot of rules these workers would need to follow if they wished to park their vehicles overnight in the Cultural Park.
First, is the rule forbidding the users to keep their cars running while sleeping. One has to ask how they would keep warm over the winter if they can’t use their cars to heat themselves.
The same for turning on the air-conditioning in their car in the heat of summer.
The homeless will have to be inside the compound by 10 p.m. and could not leave once they are in, which raises the question whether a fence and gate would be constructed to maintain control.
They will also not be allowed to congregate, which means little contact with their neighbors. Would they be allowed to sit outside their cars on a hot summer night?
Also, monitoring their activities with motion detectors and cameras through “Skynet” to ensure compliance has been suggested.
Applicants would have to fill out questionnaires, and families that have children could have their children placed in foster care if they attempt to use the program.
Further, anyone participating in the program would be reported to the Homeless Management Information System, a federal agency.
A site manager would have to be employed to patrol the site and ensure all is in order.
Congregating outside of vehicles is not allowed, nor are users allowed to leave their cars parked and go into town.
Users would be responsible for dumping their trash.
No drugs or alcohol will be permitted on premises, and the campground manager will have the authority to confiscate the contraband.
At the January 9 council meeting where the proposed program was discussed, there was one citizen publicly opposing, while more than a dozen spoke in favor.
That was surprising, considering previous opposition to the campground.
Start-up cost will hover around half a million dollars. A total of 40 parking spaces would eventually become available. The federal government will foot half the cost for the project.
Providing this service is definitely a step in the right direction, though its success is dependent on just how much of their individual rights the users are willing to give up to the strict rules and regulations established by the city.
Being subjected to patrols every few hours and being monitored by motion detectors and cameras might not sit well with individuals accustomed to free movement.
No doubt the city leadership needs to sharpen their pencils and find a way to build something, mortar and brick-wise, that can accommodate homeless workers, like a “dormitory” on Cultural Center land, for example.
Or maybe build a slew of tiny homes, 500 square feet each, that are affordable and could provide an address for the working homeless.
All it takes is a leader with imagination and the guts to make it work; and the ability to sway a council.
The city got the money. They got the property. They got the parking.
Build it!
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20 Comments
Perhaps allowing these grown adults to sit in on these meetings (they’d have to be invited) and have some say in what would and or would not work for them to feel safe and secure would be a step in the right direction?
In 2000, with a population of 10,300 or so, and 100 city employees, and 3 to 4 million tourists, to 2023, with roughly 9700 residents, and the same amount of tourists, the city government has ballooned to about 180 or so employees, a 4 day work week with complaints of being overworked. A lot of CYA going on.
We now own the “Cultural Park” property, that was purchased for around $20 million, $10 out of our “affordable housing fund” and I believe the other 10 borrowed. And the absolute unconscionable process of this property being acquired by a council that had been fired in the election on their way out the door. The three new council members that the PEOPLE elected had no say.
And then we had a council member, still sitting, that said we had to buy it so we could figure out what to do with it.
Well – too many bureaucrats, coming up with too many ideas, and a council with entirely too much money to spend. Much like the $849,000 they just dropped for a fancy unneeded culvert on Back O Beyond Road which did NOTHING for any residents.
You want to try a program for the working homeless that are living in their cars with gym memberships to take showers etc? I don’t think anyone has a problem being compassionate for these folks until permanent solutions are achieved.
But here’s a thought, our city, who loves buying any piece of dirt out there, also acquired an acre on Shelby, right next to the recycle plant. Supposedly for an “affordable housing” apartment building.
It is already fenced, it has a controlled entry point, it is GRADED, it is level. Why in the hell are these “experts” at the city jumping through hoops, spending $100s of thousands, grant money or not, on a piece of property that actually might have some real vale with the right partnership with a private developer.
And you can put quite a few cars on an acre, with port a potties and some other temporary facilities.
The big ideas that come out of our council never cease to amaze, like the screw up in uptown by our “engineer” and now assistant city manager Andy Dicky (who was told PRIOR to construction start years ago that 1 lane out of town was a horrible idea) that now has to be fixed due to making a mess out off our roundabout at the Y.
Too much money, too many employees, and a council that loves to hire consulting firms that seem to just get us into more of a mess.
When are we going to learn.
I agree100%!
Well said! This whole concept is a disaster waiting to happen. There are a multitude of problems that will arise in a situation such as this… IF this concept must be pondered, the property next to the Sewer Plant should be considered… As one who drove 2 1/2 hours each way to go to work in Beverly Hills , all in heavy traffic, I don’t see a hardship for people who have jobs to commute from say Camp Verde … just saying!
Great idea JB — most people think they know what others want or would use … often NOT the case at all.
I applaud the efforts to find of a workable solution – however, not being able to sit outside one’s car? What is humane about that thought? Why would anyone want to do this in order to keep a job in Sedona? Sit back and take a good look at what restrictions are being placed on the table – weigh the benefits against the control factors and cost. I say, keep working to find a better solution.
What about building a “low cost hotel-type lodging/shower house/ safe recreation room” something like international airports have for those who only need the space for a short period of time. Work with the Sedona Area Homeless Alliance who now take donations to provide hotel rooms in extreme cold and heat. This organization knows who the homeless are – and a lot about their needs. I do not support the plan that is on the table now. Keep working!!!
This homeless encampment is a tragedy in the making. . In addition, the sleeping in the car park is also a frugal attempt to appear as overly virtuous.
Suggestions:
Install electric plugins for small (safe) heaters and fans, reading light and phone/computer charging
Charge a small fee to participants to prevent handout mentality.
Design so later could unfold into PORTABLE tiny houses.
Remain flexible throughout. Money is coming to everyone soon which will change dynamics.
Non-congregate to a point. People should be able to move about and share, however.
Maybe network about job opportunities or going together on regular home, etc.
Should not be like a prison.
What about ride share bus in addressing traffic and parking challenges
What about including kids coupled with care/school options by volunteer agencies/schools
Think creatively. Money will soon be no object.
Great ideas! Have stalls each with mini-hookup (said at meeting: there will be no hook-ups). Providing electricity of even 30-1000 watts could set up for significant fire risk, so there would have to be some thinking there.
Why not connect it to the high school solar grid across 89A? It would cost to run cable and install inverters etc. but would save in the long term. Otherwise put up a similar system on site?
Everyone here should be ashamed. Put yourselves in “their” shoes, i.e., the workers who enable the local economy! What perversion has happened? Tourism for the good of the community — yet people are attracted for a limited amount of time, instead of locals having year-round jobs in tourism. Has anyone thought about “those” people? Are you expecting them to just move on to a different destination when your tourists leave for the season? Do you really see them as people, worthy of a life beyond having to be put somewhere when they’re temporarily not needed?
Disgusting to even contemplate some of those ideas mentioned in the article, which I assumed to be satire. It’s more like a camp for delinquents.
Our City Staff and Council are totally out of touch re efforts by other Cities to house the homeless.
Example; San Francisco took over the glorious luxurious hotel the Mark Hopkins for the homeless.
They had just a few rules including a very late curfew and drugs. They had hotel regular room service and restaurant access. All this and they were not happy, destroyed the rooms and left and finally the whole project was abandoned.
Our City plans to build a prison like the ones that allow prisoners to leave each day for work. To not be allowed to sit outside their car on a nice evening and escape the prison of a car is such dictatorship I am shocked. Not allowed to congregate means not having the opportunity of
meeting neighbors and therefore enjoy some socialization and be able to help each other when needed. Not being able to leave the prison leaving their car behind means a friend would not be able to take them to an outing or out for a meal. God Forbid, these are crimes and indeed the City must punish. I did not read in their list of prohibited behaviours that drugs were forbidden.
If someone with a child going to school and needed to be picked up the parent would not be able to share a ride with a neighbor who also had that problem. Their children would not be allowed to play outside and instead be locked in a hot car in summer driving a parent crazy and having a bad affect on a child. Isn;t that called child abuse? What would happen? Be arrested?
How cruel can out City Staff and Council be? Guess we will find out.
The City would be better off building a low cost motel so people would have an air conditioned room in summer and private bathroom. How would the use of the showers etc. at their planned prison be organized? Arguments arising between residents over who was first and how long is someone taking? Would these people have to be checked every day to determine if they were still employed in the City? A monitor is to be on duty at all times? In the real world . A guard. Did I say this would be like a prison?
Joan Shannon
You saw that all on Faux News didn’t ya?
Perhaps the city could employ some of these folks to help construct, establish and run the facility?
Treating adults like adolescents and prisoners will backfire and quickly. Why not just enforce the laws on the books that already exist? Sure there needs to be rules for how residents interact and live among themselves in order to prevent unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Drinking and Marijuana use are legal here. If you ban these folks their state and federal right to use them it will be a losing never ending battle like the hopeless senseless misguided war on drugs.
What needs to be understood is that if they do choose to consume they will be held legally responsible for their actions just as they are whether they consume or not. Definitely ban weapons and hard drugs like fentanyl, meth, heroin etc. That makes sense.
Many of these good people already know one another and live or work with them so let’s let them have a say in how this is all put into motion.
Joan Shannon, you say that the city council and staff are out of touch, can you please explain how you are in touch? What experience do you have working with homeless EMPLOYEES? You always like to drop your 2 cents into a discussion but share no facts or personal knowledge.
What about this project is like any prison have you ever seen?
Joan Shannon: Correction to my article above. The City indeed did include alcohol and drugs would be banned. I missed it on the first reading. Joan Shannon
One elderly (repeatedly saying she was 80 years old) spoke out against the project.
Senility is a bitch Sean.
https://apple.news/AHstwssenQQ2yznve-b33SQ
This is a recent Vice News story on the unhoused.
Do the numbers first.
Determining the best use of a city-owned and funded event center, such as the proposed culture park, involves considering various factors, including economic viability, community priorities, and logistical challenges. Here are some key points to consider:
Economic Viability: To assess an outdoor event center’s economic viability, a detailed cost-benefit analysis is essential. This should include estimating revenue potential from events, operational costs, maintenance expenses, and lease payments to the city.
Seasonal Limitations: As you mentioned, an outdoor event center in a location like Sedona may have a limited operational season due to weather conditions. This seasonality can impact the center’s ability to generate consistent revenue throughout the year.
Infrastructure Requirements: Building and maintaining an event center, including parking, restroom facilities, and ADA compliance, can require significant investments in infrastructure. These costs should be factored into the economic assessment.
Community Priorities: Consider the preferences and priorities of the local community. Are there other needs or projects that residents prioritize over an event center? Community input and feedback are crucial in decision-making.
Competition and Tourism: Evaluate the level of competition for events in the region and the potential to attract visitors, especially from the Phoenix market. Assess whether there is demand for events during the limited operational season.
Logistical Challenges: Address logistical challenges such as parking, staffing, and event management. Planning for these aspects is essential to ensure the smooth operation of the center.
Alternative Uses: Explore alternative uses for the property, such as planned community development or spaces that can be used year-round. Assess the economic and community benefits of these alternatives.
Community Engagement: Engage with the local community to gather input, concerns, and ideas regarding the use of the property. Public support and consensus can significantly impact the decision-making process.
Sustainability: Consider the long-term sustainability of the event center, both economically and environmentally. Sustainable practices can reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
Public-Private Partnerships: Explore the possibility of public-private partnerships to help fund and operate the event center, potentially reducing the financial burden on the city.
Ultimately, the decision should be made through a collaborative process involving city officials, community stakeholders, and economic experts. It’s essential to weigh the benefits and challenges of each option and make an informed choice that aligns with the community’s goals and priorities while ensuring long-term financial sustainability. Yes do the numbers first and ask just who is going to pay for all this?
Tourist and tourism will pay for it! That’s Sedona’s prime industry for money making and there’s plenty of it- probably too much at times!