By Steve Segner
I was dismayed to see the recent full-page ad in the Red Rock News, soliciting donations to “fight city hall” regarding the city’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for an apartment/housing project proposed to be built on a few acres of the “Cultural Park/Western Gateway” property. The ad’s assertions regarding the wastefulness of the RFP process and the supposed superiority of an event center over housing are misleading and misinformed.
Firstly, it’s important to recognize the proactive steps taken by the city to address the pressing issue of housing. The purchase of the long-vacant bankrupt amphitheater property demonstrates the city’s commitment to finding solutions to this critical problem. Contrary to the ad’s implications, pursuing housing on this property aligns with the collective decision of the City Council in 2022 and fulfills a vital community need.
The assertion that an outdoor entertainment facility would be a better use of the 40 acre Western Gateway property ignores the fundamental need for housing in our community. Furthermore, the idea that housing and event centers are mutually exclusive is a flawed argument; the city can and should prioritize both according to the needs of its residents.
The ad’s claim that the RFP process would cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars is patently false. Requesting bids costs nothing to the town, and the city council has made it clear that they are seeking a balance between tourism and community needs.
The need for a massive tourist entertainment venue may not, and probably will not align with the community’s goal to masterplan the property after an extensive outreach process (the purpose of the RFP).
Moreover, the suggestion that funding for the proposed event center could be raised without city support is dubious at best. The financial feasibility of such a project, including the costs of construction and adherence to national building codes, raises serious questions about its viability. The master planning process will allow the proponents of the entertainment venue to present and explain the viability of their “vision.”
Ultimately, the decision regarding the use of city property should be guided by the best interests of all citizens and the community at large, not by the agenda of a few individuals or outside interests. We must adhere to the community plan and prioritize solutions that address the real needs of Sedona residents.
Sincerely, Steve Segner
8 Comments
I was surprised also to see the add.
I would much prefer the city to pursue any and all buildings on the Dells property personally!
200 acres, where building heights are not a big deal, and would be far more affordable to build, and for utilities like water and sewer also.
I have no problem with the purchase of the amphitheater property at all. But we all know that is some pristine land with breathtaking views. So workforce housing? Not so much.
Of course, Sedona’s working class don’t deserve “breathtaking views,” convenient location or any amenities. Rich retires can’t stand living near the help, especially the brown-skinned ones with Spanish names. They want their meals served immediately, screw their waiters and cooks. Sedona’s elite ruling class demands workers be shoved to Sedona’s dark corners near the recycling garbage dump or by ponds of raw sewage outside town. The multimillionaires who run this city dont want to be reminded their wealth and comfy lives are built on the back bones of young workers. F@#% them and their children too, is what you meant to say, West Sedona Dave. The pompousness of this letter and comment is offensive. The head line should be “F@#% Sedona’s poor workers, they dont deserve s&$# from us. Where’s my latte!?”
Seriously doubt that WS Dave is a millionaire or even close to being one. He’s a military veteran. I agree that the Del’s (hardly what a del is, more like sewage ponds) of Sedona are the last place I would locate any form of housing for anyone. But you attack the wrong people for the wrong reasons. People are trying to help those in need and people like you attacking them doesn’t help you or them in anyway. If you think this or any other city is going to build brand new brick and mortar housing on prime real estate you are delusional to say the least. The actual millionaire’s will never allow it!
The safe parking space was to be a temporary solution until brick and mortar housing can be built somewhere but you crapped on that idea too.
Some folks just bitch and whine to bitch and whine while offering zero realistic alternatives of their own.
I’m guessing you are in need of safe housing yourself but you’ll never see it her if you dump on any and all efforts attempting to be made on your behalf just because you’re not presented with an unlimited free stay at one of the rich snob resorts of Sedona.
The county building heigh limit is 30 feet. I just asked this at the county’s Zoning 101 lunch last week.
Well said, Steve.
The ad disappointed me. Above all else, the timing is wrong.
The provision of workforce housing in Sedona is critical to the future of our community. The 44 acre former Cultural Park property is the largest undeveloped land holding in Sedona. It provides an opportunity to make a significant contribution to our workforce housing inventory.
I don’t understand how anyone can think that restoring a defunct entertainment venue could be more important than providing housing.
If an entertainment venue is so important to our community, then we should focus on working with the school district to examine how the Sedona Performing Arts Center can become a healthy and vibrant entertainment hub for our city.
Well who ever answered me….Take your meds, you have no clue, and then to put words in my mouth.. Nothing I said should of come across that way. But hey its the interned you can say and do what you want without getting punched in the mouth!
I will stand by what I said. Thats a lot of money for prime land. GD all we have is people complaining about everything Sedona does cost them their imaginary tax money!
Its a rush to judgment to do anything with that land! And thats why I have no problem with the quick fix and safety they are proposing right now!
Guess your not worried about any of that, just vomit vile rhetoric and you probably have many other strange quirks?
I second Rob Adams thoughts on this issue.