SEDONA, AZ (June 9, 2010) – The City of Sedona is in the process of updating its Community Plan, which is required at least every 10 years by state law.  The Sedona Community Plan is the City’s state-mandated general plan that guides the City in making decisions on future development and land use regulations, initiating specific planning programs and priorities and funding. 

Although the update process may take over two years to complete, for the next several months, the City and the community will be determining the key issues that need to be addressed in this update.  Public participation is therefore very important in understanding the direction the Community Plan needs to take.

Since late March, the City has been engaged in public outreach, so far meeting with over a dozen community groups and conducting three community-wide meetings in May.  Although we are continuing to compile the detailed comments from the community, some common themes have emerged from the community meetings.

West Highway 89A Corridor

Since many residents live within one lot of the highway, it is important that we evaluate the needs and values for this area from the perspective of the residents.  We need to reflect the qualities that make the area livable.  Retention of the scenic views from the highway is very important.

Sustainability and the Environment

There is agreement that we need to become a more sustainable community both environmentally and economically.

Community Plan Document

There is agreement that the Community Plan must be more user-friendly.  A prioritized system of community benefits is needed to evaluate new development.

Community Outreach

We need to explore more ways, other than meetings, to involve more of the community and use many different approaches – everything from electronic media to dialogue with neighborhood groups and homeowners associations.  More community education is needed on the Community Plan and its current use and potential.

In the coming months, we will provide a more detailed look at the spectrum of issues from these meetings and the many other comments that have been received.

Next Steps

Over the next few months, the City will focus more on presenting what is in the Community Plan, its effectiveness and what has been accomplished.  We will also be posting answers to the many questions that have come up over the last couple months.  The City will also look at additional methods of getting community input and will continue to meet with community organizations throughout the process.  Eventually, we will compile and consolidate what we have heard into key issues and start feedback to the community.

Your Participation is Important!

There are many ways for you to provide input and get involved now.

Planning and Zoning Commission meetings – Every third Tuesday of the month at City Hall (102 Roadrunner Drive, Sedona, AZ  86336).

Working Team meetings – conducted twice a month at City Hall (look for the schedule on the City’s website).

Send your comments about the issues you think are important to Sedona:

Website – www.SedonaAZ.gov/planUpdate

E-mail or call:  Mike Raber, Senior Planner, 928-204-7106, mraber@SedonaAZ.gov or Kathy Levin, Associate Planner, 928-203-5035, klevin@SedonaAZ.gov

Write us at:  Mike Raber, Senior Planner, City of Sedona, 102 Roadrunner Drive, Sedona, AZ  86336

Return Comment Cards to City Hall or the Sedona Public Library

Article submitted by Mike Raber, Senior Planner, City of Sedona Arizona