By Steve Segner —
Sedona, AZ –On March 12th, Sedona’s community faced a familiar scenario at the city council meeting, but with a new twist. The topic of discussion, “A Safe Place to Park,” intended to address a pressing local need, was derailed by a vocal group of newcomers and out-of-towers.
This group, armed with a barrage of questions, sought not just to question but to dismantle a crucial program under the guise of concern, while pushing forward their agenda, fundamentally at odds with the city’s plans for a more inclusive and community-focused future.
The “Safe Place to Park Program,” designed to offer a temporary respite for those in need, found itself under fire by individuals with a markedly different vision for one of Sedona’s city-owned properties. Their proposal? To resurrect a 20-year-old bankrupt outdoor theater, turning a potential site for workforce housing into yet another parking lot.
This clash of priorities comes at a critical juncture, as the city considers a zoning change essential for replacing the dilapidated theater with housing vital for Sedona’s workers.
The debate is not merely about land use but underscores a deeper conflict between the envisioned utility and the community’s dire necessities. The proposed project by the opposing group, while nostalgic, stands as a “White Elephant” – impractical and misaligned with Sedona’s current needs.
Recalling past disputes, such as the contention over the CVS on Airport Rd or the lighting of 89a, this scenario is a reiteration of a few placing their desires over the many needs. At its core, the community’s plea for affordable housing is drowned out by the clamor for an unnecessary entertainment venue.
Sedona stands at a crossroads between catering to the whimsical wants of a few and addressing the pressing needs of its residents. The Safe Place to Park Program and the proposed workforce housing represent more than just city planning decisions; they symbolize a commitment to the community’s well-being.
With the underutilized Sedona Performing Arts Center (SPAC) already in place, the argument for another entertainment space is not just flawed but indicative of misplaced priorities.
The city council’s support for the Safe Place to Park Program is a commendable step toward addressing real issues facing Sedona. It is imperative now, more than ever, to steer the city’s resources towards building a sustainable future for its residents, prioritizing workforce housing over redundant projects.
As Sedona forges ahead, the dismantling of the old theater’s remnants should not be seen as an end but a new beginning, making way for homes, hopes, and a stronger community foundation.