Letter to the Community
By the: The Sedona Housing Advocacy Group
Dear Neighbors,
Because of some concern expressed over social media about the Safe Place to Park, we would like to explain what it is and why we support it.
What IS A Safe Place to Park?
– Safe Place is temporary overnight parking for Sedona workers living in their vehicles
– Open 4 PM to 8 AM; nothing is left behind during the day
– On-site management
– Quiet hours; no parties or gatherings
– Operational vehicles only – no tents
– Commercial showers & restrooms and trash containers are provided and serviced regularly.
– Resources provided for services and permanent housing
– Required: Valid ID; proof of Sedona employment or children in Sedona schools
– Gray water from the shower facilities will water trees
A Safe Place to Park is not:
– The solution to housing or a permanent homeless encampment.
– A day camp or tent camp or a free-for-all for parties, drugs, and violence
– A place where cars run all night unmonitored
Remember, part of the housing crisis was caused by State Bill SB-1350, allowing short-term housing with no local oversight. Sedona lost over 1000 homes, or 17% of its housing stock and it continues to rise.
A Safe Place to Park, is it perfect? No, but it is well-researched and will be adjusted as needed. We commend the City for their action on this program and for a wide range of housing initiatives.
Please join us in supporting this and other housing programs; it’s the right thing to do.
Sincerely,
The Sedona Housing Advocacy Group
Who are we? We are the grassroots Sedona Housing Advocacy Group, composed of residents, leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and housing entities deeply concerned about the lack of attainable housing in Sedona.
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
Write to the City Council and tell them you support this and/or speak at the meeting on March 12, 4:30 PM in Council chambers. Or email them HERE
(here’s the link: https://www.sedonaaz.gov/your-government/departments/city-clerk/council-commissions-committees-boards/city-council/contact-the-entire-city-council)
To read the full Safe Place to Park program, Click HERE & go to page 24
(here’s the link Tommy: https://www.sedonaaz.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/50583/638403228026870000/#page=24)
The majority of the funding for a Safe Place to Park is from a $875,000 grant from the state.
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5 Comments
I applaud, the city of sedona for taking the initiative to put a safe place to park on City property. The article explains in detail why it’s a good idea and how it’s being paid for kudos to sedona city government.
Of course you, as a local private employer/beneficiary, would applaud any City subsidy for a business’ employees. How about you, and your fellow business employers, subsidize your employees housing costs, by way of housing subsidies, or, God forbid, a living wage?
That was my view after having lived here several years and getting a good understanding of who owns which dozen restaurants and live in mega mansions in Jacks and Seven Canyons areas.
Surely they can afford to pay their employees living wages and financial help establish affordable housing for them jointly with the City Government. Or would that mean no Aruba or Switzerland this year for them? Sure hate to see them suffer.
Is Sedona just a home for rich white people or a community? Or a community willing to help some residents/workers in need? 1000 homes have been lost to short-term rentals caused by the state of Arizona. The state is paying for 80% of this program. If you want to help people get a living wage then tip more when you eat out even with a living wage there is no housing in Sedona. Without visitor and service industry worker their would be no Sedona a we know it.
The businesses are owned by predominantly rich white people who profit from big tips. I always tip customer service personnel well and tip them fairly. And I am definitely NOT wealthy except in life and family.
Do their wealthy white owners pay them fairly? Do they get a salary and get to keep their tips which are intended for them and their hard work in the first place?
Maybe sometimes but not usually and that is the problem.