By Dr. William D. Noonan
In rebuttal to a recent letter entitled “Truth or Lies,” let me start where Steve Segner left off — Don’t be misled by scare tactics.
The core lie of Mr. Segner’s argument about the Cultural Park is that the “The city’s intention in purchasing this land was clear: to address the critical need for rental housing in our community.”
It is absolutely false to suggest that residents knew what the City Council’s intention was at the time. On November 22, 2022, the City of Sedona acquired over 41 acres in the Cultural Park for $20M including $10.1M in debt! Where was the vote of the majority of residents who agreed to turn Cultural Park into rental housing? Where was the Mayor and Council’s clear proclamation of that intent? Where was the Plan explaining the intent?
The actual reasons given by the City Manager and members of the Council at the time of the purchase approval were these:
“We can’t plan it until we own it,” Councilwoman Kathy Kinsella said.
“You buy a piece of property, then you plan it,” Councilwoman Jessica Williamson said.
Opposition to the City purchase was strong, angry and vocal from residents against the City buying more property without an overall plan to address its use, especially considering the City already owned 200+ acres at the Dells.
As of January 2024, City Council still had not produced a plan for the Cultural Park property and instead proposed a homeless car park (misleadingly named A Safe Place to Park) as a temporary solution. The project has been scandal-ridden from its inception.
Housing Manager Shannon Boone contemptuously instructed Mr. Segner and others to stop the “selfish bullies” who live in Sedona from having a vote on the matter. After Ms. Boone’s abusive behavior was made public her employment with the city was terminated. It is now time to terminate her abusive homeless car park project, and put an end to the cascade of falsehoods told by her followers.
Mr. Segner falsely claims that Prop 483 is about opening a 5000-seat amphitheater in the Cultural Park. There is nothing in Prop 483 about an amphitheater and anyone who says it does is trying to change the subject from their failed policy proposals. This “phantom of the amphitheater” fiction is a glaring admission that the car park is indefensible.
Now in his recent essay, Mr. Segner is pushing the fabrication that it was the intention of the Council all along to put rental housing at the Cultural Park. Residents are sick of this continued deceit.
Contrary to the City’s misleading statements, the homeless car park is not just for workers. The City itself has also warned people not to sleep in their cars because it is unsafe and unhealthy, yet the City now has the gall to call it a “Safe Place to Park.”
To oppose such falsehoods, over 1000 Sedona residents signed a Ballot Referendum petition this spring to stop the homeless car park. It is clear the residents do not agree with Segner’s scare tactics.
VOTE NO ON PROP 483 to stop the homeless car park. For more information visit https://sedonavotes.com/
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24 Comments
Vote No on supporting on our un housed employees and leave Sedona non functional just because! That’s your message!
So, how many homeless do you and “Always Wrong” Segner have staying with you?
“The City itself has also warned people not to sleep in their cars because it is unsafe and unhealthy, yet the City now has the gall to call it a “Safe Place to Park.”
Uh you are mixing apples with oranges! It is unsafe to live out in the boonies or in dark corners of town. That was the purpose of proposing the safe park, to get un housed folks in one lit area that has security and away from having to live in BFE with NO lighting, NO security whatsoever.
So you and your fellow non supporters of Sedona’s un housed workers can stop the histrionics!
Very interesting point you make, Bill, about the original purchase of the Cultural Park that was done without voter input or notification. I do recall that residents were astounded at the time at the famous “you have to purchase the park before you can make a plan for the park” propaganda. During the petition process, I recall many residents relaying stories of how many people they knew who had submitted plans for the Cultural Park or other developments throughout Sedona, but were denied permission by the city council. It has occurred to me that there could be an effort to prevent other affordable housing developments so as keep the number of units still needed high so that the Cultural Park redevelopment into low income housing would still be necessary. Government housing in Sedona is about as dumb as it gets, until the Homeless Car Park got shoved down our throats. That was the real high water mark and your petition showed that residents agree. VOTE NO on 483 is the only sane action at this point.
The City’s narrative was evident when they paid over the appraised value and turned down a proposal from a private developer to build 600 units of housing in the Cultural Park. It was never about housing, It was about the City being able to control exactly what type of housing and for whom. The City is quickly becoming part of the grifter Homeless Industrial Complex with its drunken greed in obtaining federal and state monies at the expense of decimating the environment and its residents’ quality of life.
Taking the amphitheater out of the equation, the original master plan that architects Dan Jensvold and Stephen Thompson created in 1995 would serve the entire Sedona community well today. A homeless car park does not.
A referendum is a form of democracy. If public officials fail to represent the public, then it is the duty of citizens to correct it with a referendum. That is exactly what has happened when the Mayor and City Council ceased to represent the will of the people and voted unanimously for the homeless car park. It took the residents 24 days to qualify this referendum for the November ballot.
Defeat Jablow’s Folly. In the end, even Jablow doesn’t think this is a good idea or a solution. He was quoted in The Guardian as follows: “It was not the best idea,” he said. “It’s not even a great idea. It’s a sucky idea, actually.”
Vote No on Prop 483. No Homeless Car Park.
“Taking the amphitheater out of the equation, the original master plan that architects Dan Jensvold and Stephen Thompson created in 1995 would serve the entire Sedona community well today. A homeless car park does not.“
If this were even remotely true it would never have shut down. It’s just an excuse to deny those in need an opportunity to have some basic necessities by those who look down their long narrow minded noses at them.
“The City is quickly becoming part of the grifter Homeless Industrial Complex with its drunken greed in obtaining federal and state monies at the expense of decimating the environment and its residents’ quality of life.“
Nice slanderous attempt but it’s a fail. The city falls under the same local, state and federal statutes it always has. If you have proof of someone personally profiting from state or federal assistance programs then report them to the state or federal government IG assigned to oversee those programs. Otherwise you are writing unsubstantiated claims and untruths.
“Contrary to the City’s misleading statements, the homeless car park is not just for workers. The City itself has also warned people not to sleep in their cars because it is unsafe and unhealthy, yet the City now has the gall to call it a “Safe Place to Park.”
You cannot separate the fact that under current conditions with un housed Sedona EMPLOYEES as well as un housed and un employed people are living Willy Nilly wherever they can find a secluded place in and around town as being unsafe from a “safe park” for Sedona’s un housed EMPLOYEES (without discrimination against them for age, race, disabilities etc.) to stay in a single location and community that they can feel safe in and that is patrolled and controlled just like any other facility in Sedona?
Letter to the Editor: Support Proposition 483 for a Sustainable Sedona
As a newcomer to Sedona, Dr. William D. Noonan’s comments demonstrate a lack of deep-rooted community knowledge essential for navigating local government and decision-making processes. His critique of the city council and the recent zoning changes suggests a hidden agenda, potentially tied to his financially troubled event center project. This could jeopardize crucial improvements and housing initiatives our community urgently needs.
Dr. Noonan’s opposition to Proposition 483, which supports zoning changes for a temporary Safe Place to Park, raises concerns about his priorities. His recent statements favor a 5,000-seat stadium over essential community planning and housing solutions.
For more context on Dr. Noonan’s comments, you can review his responses to the city council here: https://vimeo.com/931771575/9a7cf3fc99 (https://vimeo.com/931771575/9a7cf3fc99).
However, the broader issue is whether we want a large, impractical stadium or a well-thought-out community plan.
We must let local government do its job and not be swayed by those with potentially self-serving agendas. The local community must step up to shape our future. A ‘Yes’ vote on Proposition 483 supports local decision-making and ensures our city’s development aligns with the needs of our residents.
Let’s focus on a sustainable and community-driven approach. The choice is clear: support local planning and housing by voting ‘Yes’ on Proposition 483. Your support is vital for a sustainable Sedona.
Dr. Noonan’s comments on March 12, city hall:
“The people of Sedona want a cultural park and amphitheater used as a live entertainment venue. If this permanent zoning change places a homeless car park next to the stage, you’ll drive a stake through the amphitheater, killing it forever. Who will perform on a stage next to a homeless park?”
Mr. Noonan said it all
Steve Segner
25-year resident, Sedona, AZ
I said nothing about a 5000-seat theater in that video or in the transcription you so helpfully provided, so I respectfully ask you to stop repeating that lie. The “live entertainment venue” I spoke of was something much smaller. Anyway, Prop 483 has nothing to do with the amphitheater and you are intentionally trying to confuse the issue in a desperate attempt to distract from the dangers of the homeless car park. For the facts visit https://sedonavotes.com/
Incidentally, I have read your emails with Shannon Boone and Mayor Jablow and others that demonstrate your underhanded approach to public affairs. It is no surprise you support the scandal-ridden homeless car park.
“A referendum is a form of democracy. If public officials fail to represent the public, then it is the duty of citizens to correct it with a referendum. That is exactly what has happened when the Mayor and City Council ceased to represent the will of the people and voted unanimously for the homeless car park. It took the residents 24 days to qualify this referendum for the November ballot”
I have lived in Sedona just over 12 years now and have never seen public voting on any proposals from any of the city governments since moving here.
Boy you people think everything has to go to a vote? Here is a secret, when you vote for mayor and council, your letting them make decisions! Just like you people scream about taxes yet you have no city property tax and the visitors pay 78% of the city budget!
I dont care what happens in this town, but there sure a lot of complainers, that all they do is complain. Now let council do there jobs like they were voted do. You dont like it, attend a meeting, call, send a email! I do it all the time to voice my opinion. Some times I win, sometimes I lose, but I did my part and except the outcome no matter what.
There is another Sedona web site, go complain, lie, and put your conspiracies there!
My comment was cut off but went on to state that basically singling out the current city government, over previous ones because they aren’t asking for public votes on things we entrusted them to do. So the previous commentator was being biased against the current folks duly elected to run the town.
Sedona does not have voting on it’s city works projects as Mr Dave stated.
For someone who ‘doesn’t care what happens in this town’ you sure spend a lot of time here and at the “other Sedona website” sounding off, mostly complaining about complainers. Yawn, same-o same-o from West Sedona Dave.
Yep, and I will call you out, and all the other haters! Mark my words, I aint goin anywhere!
So suck it up buttercup, your in for a long ride!
The original Cultural (not Culture) Park failed due to mismanagement, lack of experienced personnel, no consideration for the performing artists, opening with porta-potties, no stage cover or sound backdrop and a go-it-alone attitude no matter what.
What was suggested by people who had done this before was to have all those ducks in a row prior to opening.
Also, due to limited seating capacity, it was suggested to bring in private corporate help from those n the industry. A well planned entertainment venue could have been set up to live broadcast for a minimal fee seen around the world with a sound system that would have quieted the few that complained about the volume, offering the artists higher compensation for their work under a covered, air conditioned stage with dressing rooms.
no one involved listened and it failed.
This could possibly still be done.
As for the need for employee housing, the first vice mayor of Sedona stated “that’s what Cottonwood and Camp Verde are for.” And yet people wonder why Sedona is looked at in an “entitled” way. The property at the Dells would lend itself a decent possibility to fill the need for such housing. However, I imagine egos in Sedona would fail at that also – unless they brought in experts proven to succeed at such ventures.
I believe Sedona needs to get out of its own way – no matter how well intentioned and bring in competent, experience people to address the public, get the residents’ feedback and make Sedona worthy of its Native bucolic Nature.
VOTE NO ON PROP 483 and vote JT/JB out of Sedona. A bunch of miserable people.
I’m not the one who believes nonsense fear mongering conspiracy theories and not scared of my own shadow unlike you. No misery here.
They are? How? I mean the writing skills are harsh, but no lies…..So can you explain to me what the problem is?
So for you a temporary safe place for people to live is to much? Sounds like you have lost your empathy and cant wrap your head around people who are struggling. Very sad to hear.
Will Sedona stop if either happens? I bet people who employ them have concerns? You dont think they do? So if we have 3000 open jobs, but only 1000 can fill the spots, then what? I never hear that side. Wonder why?
This property probably should not have been bought by the City-especially with no plan for its use/at the price paid. That said, resurrecting an amphitheater/event site also makes zero sense-for those of us who’ve lived here for years recall that was a financial flop when tried before. The only thing dumber than Cult Park II was the Safe Place to Park “idea”… At this point, it would seem that the best way to go would be a “mixed use” project, to include affordable housing for workers, and perhaps lower rent ( than uptown)private business site option, and some sort of community use project.
Wake up people! The issue we are voting on is do we want a million dollar homeless car park for forty cars, on the city owned Cultural Park Property. There is no hidden agenda or “5000 seat amphitheater” .anywhere in this proposition. The city has hired the landscape firm of DIG to come up with ideas for possible uses for the Cultural Park Property. There will be public hearings and they have already stated the a performance venue is not under consideration. That study is more than a year away from being finished and will no doubt produce much pubic debate. The “5000 seat amphitheater” is just a smoke screen trying to hid the facts.
This so called “safe” homeless car park is just a very bad idea. Period! There are extensive public records that plainly state at the time the city bought the Cultural Park Property they had no idea what to do with it. Now the supporters of the homeless car park are trying to defend their position with out right lies and propaganda. That won’t work. The voters will turn down this really bad plan in November..
You’ve been here too long. See things through broken lenses.
“Wake up people! The issue we are voting on is do we want a million dollar homeless car park for forty cars, on the city owned Cultural Park Property”
Or option #2 it sits vacant and the City pays to maintain an empty useless facility
Or option #3 the city pays millions more to restore the park as a music venue that failed as a music venue and fails faster than it can get started as a pipe dream music venue that co@k blocks something that would benefit Sedona’s un housed EMPLOYEES.
Or the 4th and final option- the city sells it and some wealthy jackass builds another un needed un wanted Mc Mansion/BNB monstrosity or something else nobody wants to see or hear other than a very very small minutia of Sedona’s inhabitants of which many are snow bird part timer whiners anyway.
“There is no hidden agenda or “5000 seat amphitheater”
Funny because that’s exactly what the anti homeless jackasses bitched and whined about en mass on here when the safe park proposal was put forth.
It was all- I want music, I want mega concerts, blah blah blah, I don’t want the homeless seen in my town, blah blah blah or I want roofs that will never ever happen vs cars, blah blah blah.