By Steve Segner —
What’s the Rush?
The City of Sedona purchased the historic Brewer Road property more than ten years ago, and the park is still not fully developed. That project went through multiple design iterations and is only now nearing completion.
So I have to ask: what’s the rush with the Western Gateway?
There is no compelling reason that permanent zoning and development decisions for the Western Gateway must be made now. Sedona’s housing challenges are real, but they can—and are—being addressed in multiple ways while we take the time necessary to determine the best long-term use of this critically important site.
We have a well-run city, capable city staff, and a caring City Council. Let’s not allow one project to suck all the air out of the room. Sedona already has a full plate: parking initiatives, completion of Sedona in Motion (SIM), and several other capital projects—each deserving attention and care.
The Western Gateway
The City’s 2022 purchase of the Western Gateway property was well-intentioned. That does not mean it was wrong—but it may have been hasty. A decision of this magnitude deserves careful study and broader, more thoughtful community input. This property may be one of the most consequential pieces of land tied to Sedona’s long-term housing and community stability.
Importantly, the City already owns several parcels in West Sedona that are suitable for workforce housing. Meaningful progress on housing does not depend on locking the Western Gateway into a single development path this coming year. In addition, the City is currently undertaking a comprehensive housing study to establish criteria for future decisions. That work is still months away.
Meanwhile, privately owned properties are also emerging as potential rental housing sites, which will naturally move through zoning and entitlement processes. That, too, represents absolute and incremental progress on housing.
As for the Western Gateway, one viable option already contemplated in the current master plan is accommodating the Sedona International Film Festival’s request for a limited commercial zone to advance its vision for an expanded multi-theater facility. That proposal deserves thoughtful consideration—not rushed decision-making.
I strongly encourage the City to use the coming year to focus on completing the significant capital projects already underway. The Western Gateway property will still be there in FY ’27 and ’28. A little more time, better planning, and deeper community engagement will not weaken this process—it will strengthen it.
The Ranger Station Park offers an excellent example of how a patient, multi-phase approach can deliver a higher-quality outcome that benefits the entire community.
There is no external deadline forcing our hand. Yes, there are pressures from various interest groups, but good planning is deliberate, measured, and not rushed.
Let’s take a deep breath.
Let’s push the Western Gateway decision point out by a year or two. That would be the prudent course of action. Doing so will also give City staff the time needed to more fully examine long-term plans for the Dells and ensure that all of these elements fit together into a coherent vision for Sedona’s future.
Sometimes the most responsible action a council can take is not to decide—but to allow time for the right decision to emerge.
Next August, Sedona voters will be asked to consider Home Rule. Let’s keep that election season focused on good governance, not rushed land-use decisions that deserve more care.
Thank you for allowing residents to express thoughtful perspectives on an issue the community is understandably focused on. Let’s stay calm, stay focused, and continue making Sedona a great place to live, work, and visit. The Western Gateway is not going away—and another year of study will only make it better.
Everybody benefits.
Steve Segner
Sedona Resident