March 14, 2024

The Sedona City Council approved a zoning change to allow the establishment of a temporary overnight parking program—for local workers living out of their vehicles—on a segment of the Sedona Cultural Park property Tuesday.

The Council also approved a grant funding agreement with the Arizona Department of Housing to operate the Safe Place to Park program; as well as a contract with Verde Valley Homeless Coalition to manage the site.

About two of the six hours of the meeting were dedicated to public comments, with many attendees opposing the program, due to the location, possible safety issues, and ramifications for a proposed revival of the Cultural Park, among other comments.

Staff members addressed various concerns, noting that suggestions to move the program to the Dells area, west of the City, are unfeasible due to the cost and time it would take to make that site suitable.

Staff said the program will not preclude any future revitalization of the amphitheater or other parts of the Cultural Park. They also noted that participants will generally be people who already live and work in the community; and that the Verde Valley Homeless Coalition has a proven track record of strict, safe and secure management of the Cottonwood shelter.

Those who live out of their vehicle as a lifestyle choice will not be eligible for the program, and participants will be required to work with social service providers, with the goal of moving them into more permanent housing.

The City did amend the ordinance to note that the zoning change only remains in effect through the term of the grant funding, June 30, 2026. The Council can modify or even stop the program before the 2-year timeline, if necessary; and they will be regularly monitoring several different metrics to identify and address any issues. That data will also be made available to the public.

On Wednesday a local resident submitted an application to the City Clerk for a referendum petition on the zoning ordinance, which will need 597 valid signatures by April 11 to appear on the ballot.

Josh Freeman | KAZM News Director | josh@mellowmountainradio.com