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Eddie Maddock: Feasible and Sustainable Sedona Matters

SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock looks at Sedona’s year ahead in the light of its problematic past.

Sedona AZWelcome to Sedona Arizona 2019.

Has our Golden Goose been cooked?

Is there anyone visiting Sedona or living here for that matter, let’s say since Thanksgiving 2018, who isn’’t convinced there is a huge traffic problem? As the situation grows worse on a daily basis ongoing studies have been procured from professional consultants – most of whom are costly and ineffective – if for no other reason than they have yet to result in actually addressing the problem.

The root of the matter is never appropriately acknowledged by the culprits behind the continual onslaught to chop Sedona, the aforementioned Golden Goose, into teeny tiny pieces. Translated: Sedona was discovered a long time ago and is no longer in need of being promoted. Even efforts for alleged “destination tourists” haven’t been proven to be effective. Quite possibly the introduction of short term rentals via private property owners and Airbnb are contributing factors to this problematic situation which should have been addressed with serious intent to at least some degree a long time ago.

Instead Sedona planners forge ahead with one idea after another clearly without looking at or anticipating suggested plans might be seriously flawed. While the term “sustainability” has become a common catchword, the word “feasibility” all too often is overlooked prior to initiating “perceived” solutions.

View of Sedona – exclusive SedonaEye.com photo

For example; inflated foot traffic in the narrow ADOT corridor of SR179 in front of Tlaquepaque was ignored at the time approval was given to Tlaquepaque North across that very busy section of a State Highway. After the fact, the result has been a disaster. So what to do?

Number one suggestion on the drawing board seems to be a concept for some sort of a pedestrian overpass. Voila! Problem solved. Wait, –not so fast. Has any consideration been given to the fact that said overpass must span SR 179, a state route? Just how high must a cute little footbridge be in order to clear traffic such as semi-trucks and 18-wheelers for which state routes are designed? Maybe an indication might be more clearly imagined if one were to think about overpasses on I-17.

Another potential solution to mitigate traffic congestion, created essentially due to lack of foresight, is the extension of Forest Road uptown to connect with West 89A someplace next to the Post Office location. This concept appears to be a wonderful idea on the surface, but has the depth of this proposal been extensively considered?

Now that becomes extremely interesting when viewing the terrain in actuality, as well as on maps.

View of Sedona – exclusive SedonaEye.com photo

The two photos offered here were taken December 30, 2018, on SR89A across from the vacant land just west of the Post Office, a portion of which has posted a “For Sale” sign. Clearly it is rugged and anticipating any portion being used as a connector from Forest Road uptown to SR89A becomes somewhat unclear. It appropriately should be noted the open space beyond the Hyatt and custom-built homes at the end of Forest Road is comparable terrain – –hilly, rocky, and steep.

From the Post Office hill to Mariposa Restaurant is rocky, but relatively level with or below SR89A. Not to be overlooked is a portion of that land belongs to the U.S. Forest Service. It isn’t difficult to observe – with a quick glance to the left when driving east on 89A towards uptown – prior to the Brewer and “Y” roundabouts.

As previously mentioned, there are several upscale homes at the end of Forest Road, clearly sustaining their value because they are constructed on “view” lots. The city has gone on record admitting that to extend this proposed road would necessitate condemning some of those houses. However, what they haven’t addressed is the steep, rocky terrain. Even a non-engineer might question the complex construction required for a connector road in this location which should realistically be seriously addressed prior to pursuing this alleged “short cut” from Point A (Forest Road) to Point B (West 89A).

Where will all the remaining red rocks go? To parking lots and highways and tourists now going and many long time gone.

There are a multitude of unanswered questions pertaining to acquisition of land and related expenses, over and above feasibility for extending Forest Road to connect down and across extremely rocky, unlevel open terrain. Shouldn’t we insist on accurate and transparent accountability prior to, during, and at completion of this endeavor should it come to pass? And, more specifically, what will be the source of funding?

Likewise, shouldn’t more extensive consideration apply to accommodating additional traffic which surely will become further problematic at the Schnebly Hill roundabout if aggressive approval for multi-housing and additional shops comes to fruition as proposed in order to justify the designation of another Community Focus Area?

Another suggestion for constructing an additional bridge from Schnebly Hill Road to the northern portion of uptown to connect to 89A onward to Oak Creek Canyon will, in all probability, require trespassing on USFS property. Has any consideration been given to that by city planners if plans are pursued to extend Schnebly Hill Road as an alternate route to I-17… also USFS land.

A final question: Which should come first –feasibility or sustainability?

The answer will emerge from the inner sanctum of City Hall.

Word for the day:

FEASIBLE
[fee-zuh-buh l]
Adjective
1. Capable of being done, effected, or accomplished: a feasible plan
2. probable; likely: a feasible theory
3. suitable: a road feasible for travel

 

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316 Comments

  1. Alarmed says:

    More manure from steve Segner. People move–many selling out to new owners who go with airbnb rentals–because City sales taxes are too high, City sewer fees are too high, and traffic has become a nightmare since City Hall began squandering millions annually on the regional Chamber of Commerce. Now 50% are drive-throughs without stopping according to the transportation study of January 2018.

    BTW, the City takes in tons of revenue annually not from tourists. For several examples:

    Millions in fees paid by Sedona residents on the sewer;
    Sewer Capacity Fees of over 1/2 million $$$$;
    In Lieu Revenues of over $640,000;
    Franchise Fees of over 3/4 million $$$$;
    State Urban Revenue Sharing Revenues of over 1-1/4 million $$$$;
    Shared Vehicle License Tax Revenues of over $600,000;
    Shared Highway User Revenues of over $900,000;
    Other Intergovernmental Revenues of almost $2 million;
    License & Permits Revenues of over $350,000;
    Fines & Forfeitures of over 1/4 million $$$$;
    Development Impact Fees of approximately $200,000;
    Other Miscellaneous revenues of approximately 3/4 million $$$$.
    “Grants and Donations” of ???

    The City’s most recent MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT is for February 2019. It states: “Decreases for the month were incurred in the Restaurants & Bar (-4%) and Hotel/Motel (-7%) categories….Bed tax revenues decreased by 21% for the month…While the average daily hotel rate was up slightly (1%), the hotel occupancy rate was down (13%)”.

    At 34%, the “Sales Tax Revenues by Category” was highest for Retail.

  2. steve Segner says:

    Wise Willie says:THEIR path instead of welcoming residents even though they have other ideas?

    Willie I am on the housing group, and we are looking at housing solutions. It is not a forum for debate on housing we are looking for ideas to house more low and moderate income people. We turn the information over to the city staff and city council.
    I am also on the HPC. Historic preservation and once Again all the members are working for the same thing saving the history of Sedona and looking at homes over 50 years old we are not looking for people that are not interested in Sedona history.

    The budget group have a background in finance and know what questions to ask…. The groups just gather information and makes recommendations to the council.
    Remember we are a city manager form of government, the city manager runs the city under the direction of the city council , the council sets the goals and the budges but the manager runs the day to data operations ,Hope that helps
    As for the one comment that I am not a resident of Sedona , well I have been voting in Sedona for 20 years and according the State of Arizona AG, I get to pick my residency…… If you disagree turn me into the state ( others have )

  3. Which segner says:

    Which segner, makes you wonder huh? The old bald guy? The segner on city staff (my bet for the May 11 5:03 comment). Or is the segner that is paid by the chamber. They all have different writing styles and levels of writing ability. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know who truly is writing under the segner alias at any given time?

  4. Marilyn T. says:

    @Which segner. What difference does it make? One or a variety he’s the mouthpiece and out there making a spectacle of himself both in writing and publicly in meetings. He’s out of control by being in control of all things relating to city government and apparently he’s endeared himself to those at City Hall. And that’s where it counts. If you didn’t vote for a change, then blame yourself.

  5. Ron says:

    In just a couple of weeks the road improvements(?) uptown will begin. And isn’t it amazing how all of a sudden there’s a plea from the big-shots at city hall (and, of course, the chamber of controversy) for residents to please support local businesses during their hour(s) of need! Really? Talk about gutsy!

    How about those in charge to take heed and support the residents, yes, those of us who live here – instead of catering to outside interests and throwing money at one particular undeserving alleged non-profit that continues to flaunt its influence about town! In a word – sickening.

    Hasn’t the kissing-up to and memorializing of that certain regional membership organization given new meaning to the “c” word? Can another word best describe what’s happened to once beautiful Sedona. Might SHAMEFUL be appropriate?

    Sink or swim little fish in an even smaller pond. May you reap the pathetic crop of what you so recklessly have sown. Most deeds, good and bad, eventually get what they deserve.

    Oh yes, and keep your eyes on the that brilliant addition to Forest Road. The one that extends over a cliff.

  6. Joyce McClain says:

    @Ron, I second your motion, “How about those in charge to take heed and support the residents, yes, those of us who live here – instead of catering to outside interests and throwing money at one particular undeserving alleged non-profit that continues to flaunt its influence about town! In a word – sickening.”

  7. Charley M. says:

    Following the antics at City Hall is sort of the same as watching a hamster in a treadmill. Round and round they go, in a hurry to get nowhere. Isn’t that the ongoing saga of Sedona’s traffic? And we really anticipate the re-do in uptown will change things? Now that’s funny.

    All things considered and in a nutshell maybe Sedona can best be described in comparison with watching fish in a fish tank – the big ones eating the little ones.

  8. Sedona Sam says:

    Let’s face it. Sedona cannot sustain the present traffic and to plan for even more high density in hotel/work force accommodations is just plain crazy! It’s true – hamsters in a treadmill except they have more common sense.

    Feasible and/or sustainability be damned. No more than idle rhetoric. Ooooohhhh NOW they’re talking about hiring yet another employee to monitor vacation rentals. (deleted by editor) Give that damn clerical job to a clerk whose underworked….shall I tell you a name? (deleted by editor)

    Oooooohhh brother round and round they go & where they end up, nobody knows. Hope it’s in a dumpster….. OOOOOhhhh WAIT – they moved the trash bins at Posse Grounds closer to city Parks & Rec office…….OOOOOOOhhh let it be a Sedona Sign please God…..

  9. Jess Wundrin says:

    Wonder if all hamsters have the opportunity to designate $2.6 million to a special interest group just because that’s what they request? Little wonder the unrest within this once nice place to live has turned into disaster. Being governed by special interests isn’t what Sedona was intended to be. Voters wake up. But then it’s probably already too late. You have no one to blame but yourselves.

  10. Road to Nowhere says:

    The city council voted approval for the extension of Forest Road. Sedona’s version of switch-backs about to happen. Oh – can hardly wait for this along with revised plans for “affordable housing.” Maybe some of those Verde-Valley Chamber of Commerce members will offer to take up a collection to help pay their share of Sedona infrastructure? RIGHT! (not)

  11. Camp Verde Business says:

    We thank the Sedona Chamber of Commerce for promoting those of us who don’t live, work, or own businesses in incorporated Sedona. We have a great opportunity at our Camp Verde business to speak with tourists and give them the true low-down about Sedona politics. And – NO – even better – we are NOT chamber members!

  12. Steve segner says:

    road to nowhere said Maybe some of those Verde-Valley Chamber of Commerce members will offer to take up a collection to help pay their share of Sedona infrastructure?
    No need The majority of the Forest Road extension will be paid for my visitors with the increase in the sales tax that the majority of sales and bed tax is paid for by visitors. the road you call to nowhere be a safety outlet from uptown in case of fire by taking cars off the roundabout at the “Y “ it will also open up the hill so that the owners of the property can build some homes and a nice walking path to and from uptown.Less traffic going through the Y will mean less congestion.hope that helps

  13. James Harrington says:

    A recent editorial in a local print publication questions why the City of Sedona doesn’t move forward with extending Forest Road to connect with W89.

    As noted in the above article, it’s because it involves intrusion on USFS land. And that’s the same reason another route from the north portion of incorporated city to, say, Dry Creek Road cannot happen.

    It would require a land exchange with the USFS.

    Take a look at the chicken coop structures presently under construction in the area west of the post office that IS privately owned. A wonderful addition to scenic Sedona, or a ghastly eyesore distraction and blight on our sensitive and scenic surroundings? You decide.

    Why oh why didn’t the city council(s) and manager(s) INSIST on REQUIRING lodging developers to provide some work-force housing and stick to it? Because Sedona developers, past and present, are greedy, greedy, greedy.

    Keep in mind the RR Crossing area is outside Sedona City Limits – thus NOT within this incorporated failure’s jurisdiction. Glory be, Amen, Thank you God, and Hallelujah for that!!!

  14. Andrea, Sedona says:

    Why did the city agendized items that required USFS land use? Who at city thought they could ignore that?

  15. Pat says:

    Always follow the $$$$$$$$.

  16. Marv, Sedona says:

    Sedona seems to think they rule the entire Verde Valley, including USFS land. “Arrogance of Power” is an understatement.

    The only thing worse IMO is the control the high-and-mighty have authorized to the chamber of commerce. Maybe the new director will have the integrity to set them straight at city hall and explain to them what they already know – that the C of C only represents their members and not city limit businesses that collect city taxes unless they join the club.

    Goodbye Justin & Jen. This is one Sedona resident happy to hear you are G – O – N – E! but definitely NOT forgotten and that’s not with affection either.

  17. Ron says:

    Ugly new builds don’t make affordable housing, they just make cheap ugly. When this administration finishes off fossil fuels and drives inflation sky high nobody will come here.

  18. @james says:

    Hey James(yea right) forget it…..Sedona’s is over. Maybe you as well as the regular posters here on SE should of actually taken “constructive action” instead of the CONSTANT COMPLAINTs” here on SE. about all and every thing Sedona. (Deleted by editor)

  19. Bob says:

    Seems to me that Constructive action in Sedona takes money from friends in high and low places.

  20. Mary Kay says:

    Sedona emasculated environment in favor of oversized egos. They invited cheap tourism to fill their pockets and raided the police MERS of residents to do their dirty work. They lied about tourism being Sedona’s destiny and savior and ruined our lifestyles. We don’t need them or want them. They can come if they want but not because they don’t have anywhere else to go.

  21. James Harrington says:

    From James Harrington to @James – it appears I struck a sensitive nerve? OMG sooo sorry! However, not to worry. Neither YOU nor I (or anyone else, for that matter, including “constant complainers?”) are in charge.

    Get a grip! The REAL authority rests with “Mother Nature” aka outside power over which NONE of us control!!

    Don’t believe it? Then check out last year’s drought and the ongoing daily wind that continues to dry out our surroundings even more. In case you weren’t aware, fire danger is at an all time high! One careless act by your beloved visitors/tourists will ignite this place and then, maybe, you and all the other wise sages will finally realize just who is in control. Never, ever be so foolish as to think it will never happen to you or, worse yet, all of Sedona.

    Of course, everyone will suffer because of the never-ending “arrogance of power.” Ask a couple of the old-timers who remain on city council and continue to thumb their noses at the “constant complainers” because they know nothing will change within city hall. Unfortunately it WILL take a disaster to wake them up. And, of course, by then it WILL be too late.

    One thing about which we do agree: Sedona IS over. But oddly enough it will only get worse. Just wait until a good deal of the traffic attempts to get to the proposed parking garage. OMG – and what about the Jordan Road property as it remains an asset for the chamber of commerce (paid for with city revenue)? Quite a legacy some of you old-timers have left for Sedona? N-O-T!!!!

  22. @bob says:

    Your attitude is the problem!!

  23. JD, Sedona says:

    Wall Street Journal breaks news; Biden raises taxes despite promises not to tax people making less than $400,000 as recent as last week during an interview. There aren’t enough rich to pay for his trillion plus giveaways, says Wall Street Journal.

    … This is a familiar tax bait and switch. Democrats promise they’ll tax only the rich, but there aren’t enough rich, and the rich don’t have enough money to finance the Democratic Party’s endless spending schemes. Millions of the Americans Mr. Biden wants to tax aren’t rich. They are successful Americans, typically at the peak of their earning lives, who might make $200,000 for a few years and earn and fund money for retirement savings.

    Add in steep climb of gas and utility prices and groceries since Biden’s administration and you are already collecting exorbitant taxes on the middle to lower classes with daily purchasing power.

    Sedona city can’t raise taxes to fund their chamber and advertising schemes because it’s not sustainable. Tourists won’t shoulder the burden, the residents do and will.

  24. Bob says:

    Your comment smacks of arrogance of power like @marvSedona said earlier.

  25. Nora & Saul says:

    @JD, Sedona, be grateful Sedona doesn’t have a “city” property tax. The property taxes we are assessed go to the respective counties in which we live. However Sedona manages to get a chunk of the property taxes we pay to Yavapai or Coconino counties whenever they can. For example, flood control. Increased federal taxes on big businesses will merely be inherited by the little people via tax hikes on products we rely on from big industry.

    Most recently Sedona had the audacity to approach Coconino County to help finance the proposed multi-story parking garage uptown. They claim it will alleviate traffic in Oak Creek Canyon. As if tourists are going to park in Sedona and take the proposed trolley/tram trip up the creek? Dream on.

    As for city sales tax, more that 50% of that last increase was returned to the chamber of commerce for alleged promotion for “destination” marketing. Remember that when you’re stuck in miles of traffic on your way to Flagstaff, Cottonwood, or elsewhere to escape Sedona’s high-end sales tax on taxable items. Think about it. Who would shop in Sedona when the VOC has many of the same items and NO city sales tax?

    As for tourists, they are crazy to stay in Sedona for the same reason = high bed/sales tax!! DUH! Destination? Maybe to hit the trail heads to hike. Ask residents on Soldier Pass and Back O’Beyond what they think about that? Oh, excuse please – “they” are mere residents and don’t matter!!

  26. Hal Johnson says:

    But don’t you people understand? Isn’t the plan for the city to purchase more property in the VOC? Then people can park all their cars out there and shuttle into Sedona! All this investment in real estate tends to make one wonder what gives?? How about that Brewer Road land purchased for another park? And then the ever-asked question about the Jordan Road parcel, title held by C of C? And now the property on Forest Road for the parking monstrosity and then proposed extension of the road to W89A and potential high end houses to acquire in conjunction with the project? Good luck with that one!!

    More questions than answers in Sedona? YES!!

  27. Steve segner says:

    So let’s start with 50% of the increase of the bad tax is not given or return to the chamber. Sedona city Council 100% controls the bad tax and where it spent in for the last 2 1/2 years it hasn’t been spent on advertising marketing in Phoenix or any place else . number two Sedona hotels have been running at near 99% capacity so obviously people aren’t concerned by a bad tax or a sales tax especially when the rooms are running $300-$400 a night and the better hotels are charging between 25 and $65 fees on top of that so I don’t think anybody’s not going to shop in Sedona because of a one and a half point higher sales tax, hope that helps Nora and Sal a.k.a. Donna how do we know she always uses the word alleged.

  28. Nora & Saul says:

    Thank you very much @Steve segner for taking time to read our comment. However we must question your reference to a Donna since we can assure you we don’t even know such a person and most assuredly do NOT associate as an “a.k.a.” of her (or him?) as the case may be.

    May we ask what the over $2 million dollars of city revenue currently allocated to the chamber of commerce is being used for if not promotion? Doesn’t that comment alone raise even more suspicion to the questionable association this city maintains with a private member organization?

    Isn’t that money in addition to what the city spends to fund the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center uptown? Unlike Flagstaff and other municipalities, Sedona does NOT operate their own official visitors center! Sir, thatis another fact and NOT an allegation!

    It’s both amazing and wonderful if what you claim is true – that “Sedona hotels have been running at near 99% capacity” during this pandemic scare. If that’s the case then why doesn’t the city discontinue their most recent contract with the chamber of commerce? Wasn’t it extended by former city manager Justin Clifton for eight years? What gives? Another little action that IN OUR OPINION(s) doesn’t pass the smell test?

    “BAD tax” = INDEED! Why doesn’t beautiful Sedona deserve better than this?

    It appears many Sedona storefronts are vacant. It doesn’t take rocket scientists to make that observation.

    While the current national slogan may be Black Lives Matter (BLM) maybe Sedona should be promoted as RDM. Translated as Residents DON’T Matter?

  29. Cindy E. Noth says:

    COVID-19 alert Potential impact on travel. See travel advice
    ARIZONA TRAVEL TRENDS

    85% of flights are operating to Arizona

    70% of hotels have availability

    Rooms from $89 up in Sedona on Trip Advisor website

  30. Tom says:

    Projections say by late next year Lake Mead could drop to levels that could threaten the ability to generate electricity at Hoover Dam. Residents homes must get electricity first, not resorts, not tourists facilities and housing, not government buildings. Like COVID the city will need to close city buildings. Whose developing this emergency plan? There has to be a tier system with residents first, office buildings last.

  31. Jan W. says:

    “Residents homes must get electricity first, not resorts, not tourists facilities and housing, not government buildings” @Tom. Ha wanna bet? Maybe other places honor local residents (registered voters?) FIRST – but Sedona? Doubt it.

    Sure we know Sedona is a resort town – has been long before it became a city – and tourism is a fact of life. The constant reminder that we now seem to be overrun with lookyloos on a year round basis gets tiresome and actually doesn’t it tend to breed contempt among residents? The constant put down and insults to those of us who choose to make Sedona our home is so over the top it continues to breed hostility.

    A little compassion to locals might be a positive and welcome change. If and when even outsiders are sick and tired of obvious local politics and they discover other and better places to visit, then maybe, just maybe our elected people and related city employees might show US some respect.

    Haven’t comments been made on more than one occasion that local city hall surveys appear to be structured in order to obtain predestined results? Could that be a reason for money to be spent contracting outside professionals for “how to” advice? Strange they didn’t follow the professional process when they retained a local chamber of commerce to tackle destination marketing. Didn’t the C of C turn right around and subcontract with an outside marketing firm? How much has that fiasco contributed and continues to contribute to the ongoing hordes of day trippers?

    Residents will take priority in the case of a reduction in electricity output? Possibly. But service to resorts will likely take priority over full time Sedona residents. Didn’t somebody once refer to us as flatlanders?

  32. Collecting Coltrane says:

    Sorry Sedona police that you were all tossed under the railroad by the AriZona senators and Congressional Democrats. Remember that when you vote in 2024. Never trust a Democrat to represent your best interests. They’re all about protecting their wallets with a hand in yours.

  33. Jerry says:

    Coconino County Board of Supervisors denied higher densities for the Kachina Village subdivision, a proposed new planned community expansion opposed by nearly every nearby resident. Coconino County Supervisor Ryan voted in favor with one other on council, but resident and voter opposition to a Planning and Zoning approved development demanded a no to further urbanization and sprawl by developers and a no vote it was. Residents and business owners in attendance were jubilant that the Will of the tax paying People ruled the day and several spoke of a plan to organize to elect others to fill the yes vote seats. A Flagstaff businessman said, “Flagstaff is at a crossroads and has reached its maximum efficiency to protect residents quality of life, and we residents say no more and expect the city and county to invest in maintaining what we have and developed well.” NAU is not considered a strong enough presence to carry the city through another pandemic or downturn and many refuse to consider further reliance on it beyond a smaller and more regional student body citing international reliance is not healthy.

  34. Keneaga Scale says:

    There is no other country as open to change and as good of heart as America.

    Former President Barack Obama has one married great great grandparent couple who owned slaves on his white mother’s family tree (his father was from Kenya and not an American citizen) and Vice President Kamala Harris has no American slaves and no American slave owners on her family tree as her parents came here from India and Jamaican which makes her first generation American.

    An American and Kenyan couple gave us President Obama and an Indian and Jamaican couple gave us VP Harris. Americans aren’t systemic racists, they are polar opposites.

    As a society, the successful in America have always paid for those left behind with income welfare and job training opportunities and schooling credits and medical and social programs using affirmative action. On global indexes, Americans have always ranked first in charitable giving. Stop believing ignorant people.

  35. Steve segner says:

    Just the Facts:
    Sedona area: The median price of a single-family home rose to $690,000 the highest median sales price ever. This was a 21% increase over the last 12-month period’s $569,000 a $121,000 increase year over year. The last 12-month period saw 631 sales a 18% increase over the previous 12-month period’s 533 sales. This was the largest number of sales in a 12-month period ever. The Sedona area has experienced a 45% decrease in residential inventory over the last 18 months.
    Vacant land transactions are back! In the last 12-month period there were 257 vacant land sales up 71% from the previous 12 month’s 150 sales. Driven by the increased number of sales the median sales price for vacant land for the last 12-month period came in at $215,000, a 26% increase over the previous 12-months period’s $170,000. The increase in the number of sales has also resulted in a 53% decrease in the number of lots for sale to 157, over the last 18 months. Its lowest number in many years.
    I know you are not supposed to yell “FIRE” in a crowded room, but that is the only way to describe the over $1,000,000 market in Sedona. In the last 12-month period there were 151 sales over $1,000,000 that is 279% higher than any previous 12-month seems like there’s some good news in Sedona it seems like being a tourist town helps people with homes average sale price $800,000 that doesn’t happen without people finding Sedona sit back and enjoy your homes and their new increase value and relax so it takes you 10 minutes longer to go to bashes

  36. Bob, VOCA says:

    Steve misinterprets his own info. Average sale price is NOT $800K it’s $690k. This is a bubble market Sedona and professionals know it. Those vacant land sales would have to be scrutinized for residential v commercial. People are profiteering off land now and pocketing cash for rainy days. Many resales were speculators and in natural cycles will pay the piper in the next downturn. Interest rates are driving refinancing – if you haven’t refinanced to 3% or less you’re foolish and get it done.

  37. @ Bob says:

    No he is quite accurate you just dont understand what he said!
    He did not say average, he stated median, I bet you dont know the differance!

    What is better median or average?
    Median is determined by ranking the data from largest to smallest, and then identifying the middle so that there are an equal number of data values larger and smaller than it is. … Under these circumstances, median gives a better representation of central tendency than average.

  38. Julian T. says:

    Check the news. Real estate prices are high all over due to shortage of listings. That’s why high prices in Sedona are not an exception. Keep in mind with low interest rates it’s definitely a seller’s market. This is an age old story and as the pendulum swings so does the real estate market. Idiots.

  39. Bob, VOCA says:

    @Bob You always comment on (deleted by editor) to act as a distraction from the real deal. Bubbles Sedona. Tourists here by the millions says Steve’s crew and how many purchase housing? Normal numbers for purchasing and abnormal numbers for tourism. Peel that onion.

  40. Ben & Joanne G. Madison, WI says:

    For a few years we spent winters in Phoenix and thus heard about Sedona where more recently we invested in property there.

    We love it because the home is contracted with a local real estate agent serving as a property manager for a short term rental. That is, perhaps, our most lucrative investment ever! The rent being collected is more than covering the mortgage payments. Such a deal! Little wonder there’s a shortage of available housing.

    We appreciate your Arizona governor as it’s our understanding he usurped local jurisdiction relating to short term rentals and made this advantage possible for those of us who don’t even live there.

    And, no, we do NOT miss your increased traffic and other ill advised dense developments.

    That’s our opinions, but we assure you we do NOT intend to retire in Sedona. When the time comes we will reap our profits and look for a place that hasn’t been raped by opportunists.

  41. Stanley N. says:

    Has anyone else noticed what appears to be the construction of a big new house in the vicinity of the end of Forest Road, maybe where this “city” proposes to condemn some property to extend that road to connect with W89?

    This just gets crazier by the minute. Quite honestly my wife and I have not driven in that area to verify the new construction simply because we actually ARE attempting to avoid Sedona driving. Sad state of affairs, indeed, as we do NOT look forward to the anticipated multi-story parking garage in that same general area any more than more failed Sedona “shuttle” clutter!

  42. Classic Chrysalis says:

    Life here is too busy. Life here is meant to be chill. Figure it out, city council. Namaste.

  43. Nadine says:

    Interesting.

  44. Wm. D. says:

    HEADS UP – IT’S ABOUT TO HAPPEN!

    Yes, Ladies & Gentlemen, the foundation to move forward with the 3-story Forest Road parking pavilion in addition to extending the connection to W89 is in the works.

    Unless legitimate voting citizens of Sedona get their act together and investigate the “Referendum” & “Initiative” options of taking back OUR Sedona, the “bulldozer”(s) literally will continue to prevail.

    The majority of the voting city council members must also be replaced for future pending considerations such as rezoning ALL existing vacant land to HIGH DENSITY!

  45. @ WM says:

    So you are worried about more parking in uptown? ( you do know the city pays for parking spaces and has for years? and why? Because there is a shortage of parking! LOL!)
    And you think there is no problem with traffic at the “Y” thats why they added another road to alleviate it?

    You people are out of your minds….You dont see a problem and if you did you would complain about it!

    Will you just move or shut up! JFC!

  46. @wmd says:

    Thnks (deleted by editor)

  47. Marge, Sedona says:

    @@WM; @@wmd – and so you think a 3-4 story parking structure will fix Sedona’s problems? OMG ………… DREAM ON!

  48. Don says:

    Unions are announcing strikes across America because Biden admin is encouraging them to drive us into another supply chain and empty store crisis. No unions are needed in America and that includes the NEA. This administration is out of control with ineptness and tone deafness and the magnitude of sheer incompetence at the White House and it’s advisors and its appointees is mind boggling. Keep it up Sedona with unnecessary expenditures and the citizens will rise up and pull the plug on their largesse and tolerance.

  49. Barry Burt says:

    Biden admin scared by the peoples response to its admin supported union strikes and they walked support and encouragement back. That’s what happens folks when you find your voices. Keep it up.

    Don’t believe the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first. – Robert J. Burdette in 1883

  50. Andrew & Sally says:

    Your comment @Barry Burt put a smile on our faces-a rare event these days.

    “The world owes you nothing. It was here first.” Robert J. Burdette in 1883.

    How about applying that to the “City of Sedona?” Sedona existed before it became a “city” and we did just fine. In fact, many still feel it was a much better place to visit and live.

    What has “incorporation” done except create controversy, over-development, and become a gift for opportunists and an overpaid overstaffed City Hall?

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