Home » City Council, Community » Eddie Maddock: Sedona Struggles to Maintain Quality of Life

Eddie Maddock: Sedona Struggles to Maintain Quality of Life

SedonaEye.com Columnist Eddie S. Maddock opines on the struggle to maintain Sedona Arizona’s red rock splendor and quality of life in the face of commercialism, tourism, favoritism, and the resulting eco-unfriendly biohazards.

Sedona AZ (October 21, 2017) – With a flurry of hard core issues presently on the drawing board such as the Fire District Bond, amendments to the Sedona Community Plan which will increase land development density, and the increase of Sedona City sales tax, maybe it has or has not been an oversight to more prominently address the current “Citizen’s Survey” which was mailed to a select number of Sedona City residents.

Not having personally received the survey, several outside contacts related concerns with some of the questions, which resulted in obtaining a copy of the survey via online research and which, with approval of the Editor of SedonaEye.com, is shown in a text format for informational purposes only so as NOT to be confused as an official document to be completed and mailed back to the source contracted for the research.

The results of this “citizen’s survey” may or may not have a tremendous impact on the direction of Sedona’s future. However, considerable unrest exists relating to ongoing troubling changes in the quality of life for those of us who are permanent residents and who moved here to enjoy life with a small town atmosphere.

Although difficult, this informational offering is submitted without comment or editorializing – which will not prevent me from making future comments if it does, in fact, appear on SedonaEye.

SedonaEye? Who dat?

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The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Sedona AZ

Please complete this questionnaire if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday. The adult’s year of birth does not matter. Please select the response that most closely represents your opinion for each question. Your responses are anonymous and will be reported in group form only.

Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Sedona:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Sedona as a place to live
Your neighborhood as a place to live
Sedona as a place to raise children
Sedona as a place to work
Sedona as a place to visit
Sedona as a place to retire
The overall quality of life in Sedona

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 5%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sedona as a whole:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Overall feeling of safety in Sedona
Overall ease of getting to the places you usually have to visit
Quality of overall natural environment in Sedona
Overall “built environment” of Sedona (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems)
Health and wellness opportunities in Sedona

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Overall opportunities for education and enrichment
Overall economic health of Sedona
Sense of community
Overall image or reputation of Sedona

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following:

Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don’t know
Recommend living in Sedona to someone who asks
Remain in Sedona for the next five years

Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel:

Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Don’t know

In your neighborhood during the day
In Sedona’s downtown/commercial area during the day

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sedona as a whole:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Traffic flow on major streets
Ease of public parking
Ease of travel by car in Sedona
Ease of travel by public transportation in Sedona
Ease of travel by bicycle in Sedona
Ease of walking in Sedona
Availability of paths and walking trails

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Air quality
Cleanliness of Sedona
Overall appearance of Sedona
Public places where people want to spend time
Variety of housing options
Availability of affordable quality housing
Fitness opportunities (including exercise classes and paths or trails, etc.)

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Recreational opportunities
Availability of affordable quality food
Availability of affordable quality health care
Availability of preventive health services
Availability of affordable quality mental health care

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 15%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sedona as a whole:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Availability of affordable quality child care/preschool
K-12 education
Adult educational opportunities
Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities
Opportunities to participate in religious or spiritual events and activities
Employment opportunities

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Shopping opportunities
Cost of living in Sedona
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Sedona
Vibrant downtown/commercial area
Overall quality of new development in Sedona
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Opportunities to volunteer
Opportunities to participate in community matters
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds
Neighborliness of residents in Sedona

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months.

No Yes

Made efforts to conserve water
Made efforts to make your home more energy efficient
Observed a code violation or other hazard in Sedona (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.)
Household member was a victim of a crime in Sedona
Reported a crime to the police in Sedona

No Yes

Stocked supplies in preparation for an emergency
Campaigned or advocated for an issue, cause or candidate
Contacted the City of Sedona (in-person, phone, email or web) for help or information
Contacted Sedona elected officials (in-person, phone, email or web) to express your opinion

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Sedona?

2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all

Visited a neighborhood park or City park
Used Sedona public libraries or their services
Participated in religious or spiritual activities in Sedona
Attended a City-sponsored event

2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all

Used bus, rail, subway or other public transportation instead of driving
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone
Walked or biked instead of driving
Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Sedona

2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all

Participated in a club
Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors
Done a favor for a neighbor
Used the Sedona Hub

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 23%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Thinking about local public meetings (of local elected officials like City Council or County Commissioners, advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood watch, etc.), in the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members attended or watched a local public meeting?
2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all
Attended a local public meeting
Watched (online or on television) a local public meeting

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 26%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Sedona:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Police/Sheriff services
Fire services
Ambulance or emergency medical services
Crime prevention
Fire prevention and education
Traffic enforcement
Street repair
Street cleaning

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Street lighting
Snow removal
Sidewalk maintenance
Traffic signal timing
Bus or transit services
Garbage collection
Recycling
Yard waste pick-up

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Storm drainage
Drinking water
Sewer services
Power (electric and/or gas) utility
Utility billing
City parks
Recreation programs or classes
Recreation facilities

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Land use, planning and zoning
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.)
Animal control
Economic development
Health services
Public library services
Public information services

Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations)

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Preservation of natural areas such as open space, farmlands and greenbelts
Sedona open space
City-sponsored special events
Overall customer service by Sedona employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.)

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 28%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following?

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

The City of Sedona
The Federal Government

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate the following categories of Sedona government performance:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

The value of services for the taxes paid to Sedona
The overall direction that Sedona is taking
The job Sedona government does at welcoming citizen involvement
Overall confidence in Sedona government
Generally acting in the best interest of the community
Being honest
Treating all residents fairly

Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Sedona community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years:

Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important

Overall feeling of safety in Sedona
Overall ease of getting to the places you usually have to visit
Quality of overall natural environment in Sedona
Overall “built environment” of Sedona (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems)
Health and wellness opportunities in Sedona
Overall opportunities for education and enrichment
Overall economic health of Sedona
Sense of community

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 36%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Cities are faced with difficult choices with limited budgets. While the City is currently working on solutions to reduce traffic, please select up to two (2) additional priorities you would want the City to invest in over the next few years:

Additional cultural facilities (museums, theatres, etc.) Additional parks and facilities (playgrounds, sports facilities, etc.)
An Oak Creek park or walk Other
Increase the walkability and bikeability of Sedona None of these
Ensure housing for those who work in Sedona

Please select up to three (3) service areas for the City to contribute additional funding in order to expand existing services over the next few years:

Recycling services Arts and culture programs
Library services Social services (senior center, food banks, etc.)
Animal services Other (please specify)
Business development services None, I’m pleased with levels of service in listed areas

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to use each of the following sources to learn about City issues, activities, events and services:

Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don’t know

City website (www.sedonaaz.gov) and eNotify emails
Local newspapers (Red Rock News) and websites (www.Sedona.biz)
Local radio stations (100.1, NPR on 103.3 or 88.7, etc.)
Channel 4, the local government TV channel
City Council meetings and other public meetings
Talking with City officials and staff members
City communications via social media
Word-of-mouth

To what extent do you agree or disagree that each of the following would increase your use of a bicycle or walking as a means of alternative transportation:

I would ride a bicycle or walk more often if…

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know

There were more off-street bike, sidewalks or multi-use paths/trails
I felt safer from traffic while riding a bicycle/walking
I had better health or physical ability to do so
I do not want to use a bicycle or walk as a means of transportation

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

To what extent do you support or oppose the City investing in creating sustainability policies and programs in the following areas:

Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know

Increasing use of alternative energy sources
Encouraging water conservation
Fostering National Forest stewardship (trails, access, etc.).
Increasing recycling services
Developing plans to meet the goal of zero waste in Sedona
Requiring higher green building and development standards

To what extent would you support or oppose the City of Sedona encouraging growth in the following types of businesses/industries?

Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know

Technology (i.e., life science, R&D)
Outdoor recreation
Tourism (i.e., hotels, restaurants)
Healthcare (i.e., pharmaceutical, hospital, medical offices)
Arts and Entertainment (i.e., graphic design, interior design)
Light warehousing and distribution (i.e., truck operators, stock clerks)

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Our last questions are about you and your household. Again, all of your responses to this survey are completely anonymous and will be reported in group form only.

How often, if at all, do you do each of the following, considering all of the times you could?

Never Rarely Sometimes Usually Always

Recycle at home
Purchase goods or services from a business located in Sedona
Eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day
Participate in moderate or vigorous physical activity
Read or watch local news (via television, paper, computer, etc.)
Vote in local elections

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Would you say that in general your health is:

Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:

Very positive

Somewhat positive

Neutral

Somewhat negative

Very negative

What is your employment status?

Working full time for pay

Working part time for pay

Unemployed, looking for paid work

Unemployed, not looking for paid work

Fully retired

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Do you work inside the boundaries of Sedona?

Yes, outside the home

Yes, from home

No

How many years have you lived in Sedona?

Less than 2 years

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20 years

Which best describes the building you live in?

One family house detached from any other houses

Building with two or more homes (duplex, townhome, apartment or condominium)

Mobile home

Other

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Is this house, apartment or mobile home…

Rented

Owned

About how much is your monthly housing cost for the place you live (including rent, mortgage payment, property tax, property insurance and homeowners’ association (HOA) fees)?

Less than $300 per month $1,000 to $1,499 per month
$300 to $599 per month $1,500 to $2,499 per month
$600 to $999 per month $2,500 or more per month

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Do any children 17 or under live in your household?

No

Yes

Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older?

No

Yes

How much do you anticipate your household’s total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.)

Less than $25,000

$25,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 or more

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please respond to both questions:

Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?

No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino

Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or Latino

What is your race? (Mark one or more races to indicate what race you consider yourself to be.)

American Indian or Alaskan Native

Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander

Black or African American

White

Other

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 92%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

In which category is your age?
18-24 years 55-64 years
25-34 years 65-74 years
35-44 years 75 years or older
45-54 years

What is your sex?

Female

Male

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 97%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Do you consider a cell phone or land line your primary telephone number?

Cell

Land line

Both

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. (END)

Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!

734 Comments

  1. JessL says:

    @ Steve segner

    FALSE

    Residents pay most of the taxes

    Residents pay the majority of the sewer fees although visitors use most of the capacity

    Visitors are the reason for most of the fire calls.

    Visitors are the reason for most of the traffic.

    Are you taking an idea attributed to the Nazi Goebbels ? “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually believe it.”

  2. @and why not says:

    Wow you sure do a lot of posting of nonsense for a person that no longer lives in Sedona..

    As someone posted before….you and your fake alias’s shouldvlet your hate simmer down a bit ….Take a mental health break….You’ll feel better and may actually post something of a positive nature… Go for it.

  3. @JessL says:

    Didn’t you move from Sedona to Prescott Valley as was mentioned in previous posts…
    Why are you still so infatuated with Negative Sedona as you see it…
    Let it go…..get a life…

    You don’t live here anymore

  4. @Sedona National Citizen Survey says:

    Excuse me but I got that survey in the mail and filled it out over a month ago…

    Why are you still bellyaching over it.. Sounds like you didn’t like the questions so you didn’t fill it out.
    Who cares….are you crazy

    So you claim to be a resident but I guess you don’t care about anything but yourself and your complaining..

    Next time participate when asked and stop your whineing please

  5. Steve segner says:

    Jesse
    Sorry you are wrong way wrong
    1You know Sedona City is 65%+paid by visitors. property tax mostly goes to county no city property tax.
    2 sewer fees commercial property pays higher fees then homes and split is based on a city study’s.
    3. Fire calls , sorry wrong according to fire chief, you are wrong hotels pay more as a % then home owners and more then the number of calls fire department get as a persentage. I have 1/2 acre lot and pay 1000.00 fire district tax a Month.
    Sedona sits on two state hwy, visitors pay more in direct support to the city then renters and homeowners. Call city and just ask I did .

  6. F.Y.I. says:

    BEWARE! The City is in the process of updating the Wastewater Master Plan. New locations on septic systems are being looked at. It came to light during the so-called Public Meeting on Dec. 5, 2016 that in addition to capacity fee increases, the expansion plan, if any, will involve higher sewer fees.for current ratepayers.

    The sewer fee increases under consideration range from $0 to “More than $10.00.per month.” Here is the link to the two Scenarios–see pages 27 and 28.
    http://www.sedonaaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=30324

  7. Sedona Direction says:

    Hay SedonaNUTS don’t you see the writing on the wall or in the community plan? Corporate welfare!!!!! The special interests won’t be done unitl they get the entire city as a business and that includes YOUR houses. You don’t matter they just want your money.corporate welfare you PAY they play.
    Stop and get rid of EVERY council person that has ties to ANY BUSINESS. STOP corporate greed & welfare in Sedona they are destroying your town!

  8. @F.Y.I. says:

    Very interesting information. How do you suppose the sewer plant will handle increased capacity to accommodate the big plans for future housing needs for the Verde Valley?

    Maybe this topic should be under Business As Usual since the idiotic lack of foresight and blundering just continues to go from bad to worse. No ifs, ands, or butts about that. . .

  9. @JessL says:

    @Steve

    Stop wasting your time responding to JessL

    She doesn’t live in Sedona
    She is a prescott valley resident and she is mentally challenged

  10. Jessl says:

    Trust me, if my sewer bill did not keep going up, can you imagine $733 a year just for sewer for one old man? It’s about twice my water bill. The sales tax I pay to Sedona which is rising in March, and the constant irritation of the bumper to bumper traffic, I have much better things I would rather do that inform my fellow citizens of the details of the theft that goes on in Sedona.

    I wish I did not love my home of 19 years and my red rock view. I would move in a second. Not to Prescott Valley as some of you nutty troll people imagine.

  11. F.Y.I. says:

    Steve Segner is lying again.

    (1) Sedona is not paid 65%+ by visitors. Sedona is over 50% paid by residents. Steve is not taking into account the actual City sales tax % paid by residents nor the Wastewater fees. Then there’s the state shared income tax, state shared sales tax, shared vehicle licenses taxes, shared gas taxes and the amount of County Flood Control District Funds from locals paid to the City. And, of course, Steve is overlooking the cost of the wear and tear on our streets.

    (2) According to the City Finance Director’s WASTEWATER FUND ANALYSIS Memo to the Mayor and City Council dated April 20, 2017 [improper disclosure], “While the annualized visitor population represents 55% of the total annualized population, the visitors contribute less than 25% of the funding for the operations of the wastewater system.” Residents ‘contribute’ 75.2%.
    SOURCE – Page 29 of the 518-page Proposed Budget 2017-18.

  12. Steve segner says:

    Understand but when somebody post misinformation left not corrected people start to believe it.

  13. @JessL says:

    @JessL

    I would have to say that you are the nutty troll person that you speak of.

    I have no problem getting around town and don’t need a Prescott Valley resident to tell me “what’s up” in Sedona…

    Keep an negative EYE on your own town. Please stop spewing lies about the town I live in…

    @FYI

    Same goes for you …..you sound like that person mention around SE that is a serial poster here using many many different names..
    Are you?
    If so you are a major head case loser.

  14. Sedona National Citizen Survey says:

    @@Sedona National Citizen Survey (the person who so soundly supports the intrusive invasion into our personal affairs).

    Could you, in fact, be one of those unnamed people sitting with the inner circle at City Hall who had fun creating this obvious set up in an attempt to acquire bogus justifiable statistics to uphold the God-Awful direction this City of Sedona is headed?

    Only such a person who will financially gain from the procedure would be a party to it. But of course, in fairness I’ll qualify that as being my own opinion, not insinuating to speak for the masses.

    And @Steve segner: your comment of 11/19/ at 11:47 am makes NO sense at all. FYI comment (11/19 8:27 am) specifically took exception to your own previous misinformation and yet you choose to let it stand? How dare you accuse others of not correcting their mistakes. Shame on you. Practice what you preach.

  15. @Sedona national citizen survey says:

    @Sedona survey

    Don’t know what your talking about…
    If you thought the survey(which was over a month ago) was intrusive well I guess you didn’t fill it out….

    It was anonymous you complainer conspiracy theorist…
    Move on to a new complaint ok.

    I filled it out , mailed it…..and guess what …no one knew that it was my completed survey….

    I suggest you get a life

  16. @@Sedona national citizen survey says:

    Your very boring by repeating what you already wrote November 17, 2017 at 9:28 pm. Anonymous or not the conclusions to baited questions will surely come out with the results those who designed it wanted. Who cares who you are? You played into the hands dealing from the bottom of the deck. Cesspool of corruption is what you are endorsing.

  17. @sedona survey says:

    @ sedona citizen survey

    As I said before……you live in prescott valley anyway.
    Why not do your complaining on PV Eye..

    No one cares what you think slso .all you do is complain under differet names ..
    Get a life and find some remedy for your mental health problem.

    Also that survey we are talking about was not a “national survey” ..
    Just s simple “in town” survey for information

  18. F.Y.I. says:

    Tourism is not paying it’s fair share of the cost of the Wastewater System. See the pie charts on Page 29 (labelled Page 6 of 29), City of Sedona 2017-18 Proposed Budget.
    http://www.sedonaaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=31154

    Estimated Population: Visitors 55.4%; Residents 44.6%
    Contributions to WW Operations: Visitors 24.6%; Residents 75.2%

    Only approximately 60% of residents are on the sewer. This means 60% of the 44.6% resident population are paying the 75.2%.

    RIPOFF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  19. @@sedona citizen survey says:

    You write: “Also that survey we are talking about was not a “national survey” ..
    Just s simple “in town” survey for information”

    Go back to the survey and read it Bonehead. “The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.”

    This was also pointed out early on in the comment section. Specifically:

    Survey Says What Cities Want to Hear says:
    October 25, 2017 at 7:17 pm

    “National Citizen Survey out of Boulder Colorado. Most cities don’t bother unless they want to have tool to use for agendas?”

    Nice try to spin this into something other than it was intended to be. Another set-up method to entrap fools such as yourself to bite into the workings of forked-tongue slick-talkers. But, of course, unless you are among those working behind the scenes? Not enough spinning in the world can change the ulterior motive here as well as the con-job by those whining for “affordable housing”. What happened to Nepenthe, Fairfield, and other broken commitments blowhards????

  20. Truth of the Matter? says:

    Is all this grand finale Hoop-T-Do anything more than an attempt to get as many entitlements as possible put into motion prior to the election next November?

    Just look at the questions.

    Loaded and pointed. Once in place the socialized movement will be well implanted and difficult to reverse.

    There was absolutely no other reason for the majority of this city council to approve increasing building density citywide except to lock in a policy for years to come. Like they also did with the outrageous 7 year contract with the regional chamber of commerce – never ending solicitations and control for their own members no matter where they’re located.

    Do people actually reject the concept of multiple housing affordable or not? Apparently not many considering the number of timeshares and other community units available for more dense living in the area behind Walgreens and all tastefully done and low profile.

    The flipside of the coin might be to plod forward with massive development and eliminate all open space, which was the basic premise upon which the Community Plan was put in motion. But without Sedona’s unobstructed views NO ONE WILL VISIT OR MOVE HERE and HOUSING WILL TAKE A NOSE DIVE directly to being affordable because there will be NO TAKERS.

    Never happen ? wait and see if you live long enough.

    Sad part most of those responsible will be long gone. What a (deleted by editor) legacy. Hope your grand and great grandchildren will be aware of your idiotic, self serving, and uncaring decisions. They’ll be the ones left to live with it.

  21. CORRECTION says:

    From Truth of the Matter:

    “The flipside of the coin might be to plod forward with massive development and eliminate all open space, which was the basic premise upon which the Community Plan was put in motion.”

    SHOULD HAVE BEEN:

    . . . Flipside of the coin might be to plod forward with massive development and eliminate all open space, which was NOT the basic premise upon which the Community Plan was put in motion.

    A major reason for Sedona to incorporate was to prevent the very things that presently are occurring. True and so very, very sad.

  22. Out of Control says:

    The mere thought of increasing building density in this limited area is insane. Today the traffic was crazy and especially w/the construction on Brewer/Ranger; “Y” roundabout jammed going SOUTH (traffic from canyon and elsewhere). And over the weekend Back O’Beyond was down to only one lane because of illegal parking. TOO MANY TOURISTS! And the big event, Thanksgiving weekend is yet to come.

    Remembering back years and years ago, Lake Tahoe went into shock after overindulging in tourism and spent years and years attempting to restore what attracted people there in the first place – and it WASN’T resort hotels and high-rise apartments or multitudes of “little houses” – tents – trailers – or whatever whim power junkies imposed. STOP THE PROCESS YOU FOOLS!

  23. @out of control says:

    @out of control

    I had no problems traveling around Sedona today…
    No worrys at all and no conflict….
    you sure your not talking about your real Home town PV?

  24. Tony T says:

    Bumper to bumper traffic in Sedona.
    It’s Thanksgiving week. Not much for the residents to give thanks for regarding traffic.

    Let’s fix this.

  25. @Tony T says:

    @Tony T

    Oh Tony according to your rants over the years………you see no good in anything Seidona.

    With that “negative eye” of yours I’m surprized you haven’t taken your complaiining/crying behind and move…. You contribuate ZERO to Sedona.

  26. steve Segner says:

    Oh please get over it, you never travel to other locations, you never take vacations?
    Sedona just for resident …
    .start a movement…. move to a town in Kansas with 8000 people and good luck finding a place to eat that is not a Dennies…. must be hard to get up each day knowing it will take 15 minute trip to west sedona… Oh God …

  27. Out of Control says:

    No @out of control, it was the traffic in Sedona Arizona I wrote about.

    I do not live in PV so get over whatever foolish notion you have that anyone who writes something you don’t like is some made-up person living elsewhere. It was in the afternoon surprisingly the northbound traffic coming into Sedona wasn’t heavy at the time. It was the traffic from uptown that was clogging the roundabout at the “Y”causing it to also back up coming from West Sedona, and of course, with the additional stop sign on Brewer Road that option was also congested. And as Tony T. states, it will get worse because of Thanksgiving.

    You people who would like to shut up those of us who are realistic and point out the truth about what’s happened and continues to ruin quality of life in Sedona represent most of the trouble that only gets worse. You are hell-bent to destroy this place so pat yourselves on the backs because you are succeeding. How about all of YOU moving to PV for a new adventure in exploitation?

  28. @out of control says:

    @out of control

    I guess whatever you fabricate in you dark negative mind is all you see…You create your own negative reality..

    As I said no problem driving around west sedona beautiful day beautiful town and views… very blessed and thankful

    Now you may spew your hate/negative rants and notice all that is wrong in your Prescott valley …I would hate to have your mind and perspective..

    Your mental health is failing

    Please continue your posting under 15 different names.

  29. Out of Control says:

    What a hoot that Steve Segner is – quote: “must be hard to get up each day knowing it will take 15 minute trip to west sedona”

    Well guess what? That’s how long it takes to drive from Cottonwood City Limits to Sedona City Limits. And from the VOC to eastern City Limits even less (like ten minutes)

    Therein lies the snafu. It begins at every Sedona “gateway” including the one from Flagstaff. GRIDLOCK STARTS at SEDONA CITY LIMITS. DUH

    Steve and other thick skulls actually believe providing high-rise “affordable” housing will solve this?

    Get a grip Segner. You finally stuffed both of your feet in your big mouth at the same time. Save room for some Thanksgiving din-din.

    Speaking of stuffing, hope those two turkeys you bought at Basha’s yesterday afternoon didn’t spoil by the time you plowed through the traffic jam by Tlaquepaque to reach El Portal – or worse yet, if their destination was your Grand Estate in Oak Creek Canyon, especially during this unseasonably warm weather.

  30. Tony T says:

    I love Sedona, I love my panoramic view of the incredible Red Rocks. I love the weather. I love the people and food at Basha’s. I have gotten to know some amazing people living here. The sunsets, stars and summer storms are breathtaking.

    I don’t love cowards and those on the public purse who attack without using their real name. I don’t love bumper to bumper traffic with mobs of people who are lost, driving while taking pictures or don’t know how to drive a round about. I don’t love hotels that think their band can play their music at high volumes and ruin the peaceful vibe of Sedona.

    I don’t want my home to continue the evolution from an amazingly beautiful small tourist town, to an over crowded greed driven tourist trap.

  31. Tony T says:

    Let’s give thanks for this beautiful place we get to live.

    Let’s make a vow to make it a better place every day.

    Happy Thanksgiving !!!!

  32. @tony T says:

    @Tony T

    (deleted by editor) Happy Thanksgiving

  33. Can't Stop Laughing says:

    The comment made by “Out of Control” is so very funny. For a person that has been ACCUSED of living in Prescott Valley they certainly have powerful eyesight to observe Steve Segner buying turkeys at Basha’s in Sedona! And loved the factual presentation about time of drive from Cottonwood & VOC to Sedona City Limits.

    These boobs that will continue their BS about affordable rentals being a solution to our traffic problem might better spend their time building a UFO to blast off in outer space. Problem is, though, they will have their way. Talks about changing the Land Development Code are scheduled to begin this very week. So be assured the unidentified troops working behind the scene have the movement well in order to make high density happen. RESIDENTS DON’T MATTER!!!!

  34. To Tony T says:

    I see a lot of things that you don’t love in Sedona and it doesn’t look like that list is getting shorter any time soon.

  35. Valerie says:

    It just becomes more and more difficult to wrap my head around the management in Sedona (or lack of it). Just think about it. THEY include more housing in the Schnebly Focus Area (already a major traffic bottlleneck) and then THEY vote to amend the CP to expand higher density to the east side of Sedona. More DUMB decisions? Do ya think maybe some of them Affordable houses are slated for Schnebly down the pike? STUpid plans plots and decisions from city hall make one wonder what they’re smoking. Obviously NOT Peace Pipes.

  36. It's Official says:

    Speaking of quality of life. Just caught first TV commercial advertising the wonderful laser light show in Sedona, projected on canvas(? – or some damn thing on the mountain) for Dec. 14 to 17. Whoopee – Sedona has finally found the secret to success to promote this ugly, dismal place by shining phony lights on the mountain during Christmas?
    And at what cost? $45,000 or something similar. And now the TV commercial. How much did that cost? Oh man our quality of life is rapidly approaching the point of no return to our reasons for making this our home. (as if THEY care)

    Bah to the Chamber of Commerce, City Council, and all City Hall Toadies. How desperate they must be to earn a living. Scrubbing toilets sounds more appealing than selling your soul to the devil. Reap the benefits. You too will pay the price. Wait and see.

    Way to go Sedona (regional) Chamber of Commerce. Spent them bucks! And at the same time spook our wildlife. Keep Sedona Beautiful where are you! On leave of absence or were you also paid to shut up on this absurd trip???

  37. KJ, Waycross GA says:

    As tourists to Sedona for the second time, we weren’t quite sure where to make this comment but Quality of Life seemed appropriate so here goes. Thanks to local Bob at Cuchina Rustica for showing us this site and suggesting we write comments. We’ll follow it from back home after vacation is over.

    10 years ago we visited Sedona, BEAUTIFUL and loved it, and fulfilled our want to see it again for a weekend on way home from Las Vegas where we visited family -arrived last Friday, leaving later today.(monday) Good news? We stayed outside the area that charges Sedona sales taxes (Village of Oak Creek doesn’t charge Sedona tax, thanks Eric for info ).-lucky break. (last time we didn’t stay out here but at lovely lodge by airport).

    Anyways, on Friday we bought a local paper figuring to pick up on what’s what. We read Loss Of Tourism Creates Problems, Not solutions . We beg to differ. Based on our first trip to Sedona my mom says she hardly recognized the place (sat in traffic, rude people, junky shops, crowded trails, expensive jeeps, generally NOT the place she remembered or me as a teenager. A lot more touristy.)

    We can’t imagine how much worse it will be if Sedona gets more people. My parents didn’t hear about Sedona except from my grandparents before we came the first time. (ridiculous article by your paper!!)

    Mom says most shops here weren’t here before or no longer exist. (factory outlets maybe but mom couldn’t find the trading post) but a new complex lacks basics (needed socks & postcards but told to go to grocery store & found them). Mom says to tell you that the best part of our visit was Sunday evening when we bought a wonderful pizza, took it to our hotel room and watched the fifty year salute on TV to Carol Burnett.

    Goodbye Sedona. Can’t say we’ll be back & can’t say we’ll recommend friends or family visit. Rick said it would be helpful if we left our comments. Hope so.

  38. Results? says:

    So what did the great survey reveal? We all want more parks, more freebies for the masses, housing for the world, Sanctuary City Designation? As clearly it was contrived by people with no-names in order to promote Socialism, where do we have the verdict confirmed. Huh??

  39. WSR says:

    @KJ waycross
    @results

    So funny
    So predicable ….(deleted by editor)

    get over it…People LOVE. Sedona…(deleted by editor)

    Hey enjoy the laser light show, it might actually be a bright spot (deleted by editor).

  40. @KJ waycross says:

    Goodbye and don’t let the door hit you in the “you know what”
    No one cares what you think.

    Please don’t return ……..and concentrate on hating your own town…Later Moron.

  41. Wowzer! says:

    Let’s hope all the out of town folks, potential tourists and or Sedona residents get a load of the negative responses to the folks from Georgia. Way to go with your warm, gracious, favorite “H” word = HATEFUL. Nice word of welcome.

    Instead of slamming on the breaks WSR etal just can’t help but verbally slam into the folks who dare oppose the liberal socialists who have taken control of Sedona. Is it true WSR Jessica is preparing another run for city council next near? OMG – doesn’t she spend enough time at city hall as is?

    As for results of this poll? Ha – little wonder they haven’t gone public or made RRN or Sedona.Biz headlines. Judging by the hundreds and hundreds of comments continuously appearing on SedonaEye no one would probably see them anyhow!! Still laughing at the refusal by the assistant city manager to reveal the names of those behind the rigged survey in the first place. Pretty much a dead giveaway of who was responsible for the contrived effort to produce false justification for the onward Sedona march to ruination in the name of power and control. Don’t be blinded by them laser lights. No Siree!

    Ho, Ho, Ho and that ain’t from Santa.

  42. @Wowzer! says:

    Couldn’t agree more w/your comments about how rude it is to insult tourists in town or anyplace else. Doesn’t that just defeat the purpose of spending millions of $$$ trying to bring them to Sedona? But of course what else can you expect from those who want to silence anyone disagreeing with them? Well, it’ll be interesting to see if the WSR Jessica vies for council again. Maybe she’ll run for mayor and replace our current Snow White. Wish we could get rid of the unofficial “Dopey” of the group. The person who labeled Sedona City Council as Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs should get an award from Keep Sedona Beautiful. Better yet, KSB should figure out a way to get rid of the whole bunch of them and truly MAKE SEDONA BEUTIFUL AGAIN!. (clean out Sedona’s swamp and it all isn’t at the sewer plant)

  43. Marty in Sedona says:

    Not only do we have Sedona’s version of Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs but they, together with city staff, serve us like the blind leading the blind. The road improvements(?) in uptown will soon begin without benefit of addressing the real problem: Ability to provide adequate infrastructure for accommodating too much traffic. Round and round they go, and where do they stop, how do we know? New members on the city council might be a start providing they aren’t dead wood as indicated might be forthcoming @Wowzer.

  44. Quality of Life says:

    Quality of life IMO has hit a new low. The laser light display, although apparently in keeping with Sedona’s new Disney Land theme what with Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs was disgracefully exploited even more by showcasing not the red rocks but inappropriate use of Sedona’s main and natural attraction.

    And if what the editor in the RRN claimed in a recent editorial, that all lodging facilities in Sedona had at least one night bookings for this farce, it would be interesting to learn how they felt about the value received. And BTW can the RRN produce proof of the editor’s allegation?

    All in all Sedona has pretty much sunk to a new low. But of course, not hitting bottom (yet) leaves us only to speculate on how much worse things can get.

    What in the world did this latest product development? cost the taxpayers? Word is in the arena of only $40,000!! (and isn’t every subdivision in Sedona in need of attendance to the city’s right of way on our city owned roads? hip-high tinder dry weeds just waiting for a beloved tourist to toss out a cigarette butt or an ATV to hit the pedal to the metal, cause a spark and ignite a huge fire)

    DISNEY LAND SHOULD STAY IN CALIFORNIA & FLORIDA!!!!

  45. Newcomer to sedona says:

    The laser light show was awesome….
    Me and grandkids enjoyed it. Thank you Sedona for the experience!!!!

  46. Steve segner says:

    Quality if life asked, would be interesting to learn how they felt about the value received
    glad you asked we made it a point to ask customer staying in hotels ,and not one negative comment all positive comments , This week is one of the slowest weeks of the year Saturday night the city was bustling the restaurant full, people were having a good time! customers out from Phoenix said they be back next year thanks for asking sedona lodging council.

  47. Didn't Ya Know?? says:

    @Quality of Life – “What in the world did this latest product development? cost the taxpayers? Word is in the arena of only $40,000!”

    Scuttlebutt says Jennifer Wesselhoff CEO Chamber of Commerce claims the funding for the magnificent light display came from Chamber member dues. Well maybe so considering the city foots the bills for everything else –

    chamber employees (how many), utilities @ 2 locations, (remodeling of one?), unknown overhead, and unaccountable expenditures since there are apparently no legitimate records or audits on record. In addition, are the reports the lighting event was sponsored by City of Sedona, Sedona Arts Center, and Chamber inaccurate?

    If Chamber members paid for the event then why did City and Arts Center rate credit? Jennifer, take your self-proclaimed importance and stick it where the sun don’t shine. You are disgusting. But that’s just an opinion. Embrace face book accolades by at least one former critic or the Chamber who now glamorizes our (?) wonderful chamber of commerce and their tacky disgusting displays that are insulting to the image of Sedona.

    And Ms. Big shot up on the hill – you know who you are.

  48. Steve segner says:

    Didn’t ya know
    Well that was a nice Catie little comment about the chamber and Jennifer jealousy is a terrible thing and by the way I chipped in $1000 the hotel association chipped in $1000 many many hotels and businesses chipped in money for this so there you go

  49. @Newcomer to Sedona says:

    Oops – your roots are showing (not referencing your hair). By your boring remarks now appearing on most SE articles you are a transplant from big city life. Another do-gooder from CA or NY probably because they are the most obnoxious!! Ah yes, bring on the night life, neon signs, high-rise structures – and maybe a huge manufacturing plant at the sewer land to offer jobs to all the “pilgrims” when they aren’t harvesting their crops. What did Sedona ever do without the likes of you all? Well for one thing our quality of life was a hell-of-a lot better (and that’s just for starters).

  50. Mrs Roger Thomas says:

    Steve,
    Delusion is a form of mental illness. I was uptown on my way back from Flagstaff. There were no crowds standing in cold 40 degree weather to watch a simple cartoon projected on a rock. You would have been better off to just have the Lodging Council split up the money paid to the laser show people. I can give you the name of a good therapist I use. She is helping me with my Dissociative identity disorder.

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