On November 5, Vote YES on Proposition 483
Vote YES on Proposition 483 Support the city's housing initiatives
A Yes vote kills the referendum and sidetracks/stops the effort to rebuild the abandoned amphitheater. Vote Yes on Prop 483!
VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 483
- A No vote supports an effort to resurrect a bankrupt amphitheater and stops the city's temporary zoning on 6 acres of the 40-acre property bought for housing initiatives.
- From the very beginning, the arguments against the city’s “Safe Place to Park” were clouded by trumped-up & irrational fears of a "homeless invasion."
VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 483
- As a short-term (2 years) solution, Planning & Zoning, as well as the full City Council, approved just 6 acres to be used as a "Safe Place to Park Overnight." for Sedona workers are already sleeping in their cars overnight.
- A NO Vote on 483 is meant to cancel this 2-year initiative
- Vote YES - It's the Right Thing to Do!
This is an view of the Western Gateway/Old Cultural Park & t
However, concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility and impact of such a project on Sedona, a small town with a population under 10,000.
Read the Red Rock News article on the history of the massive entertainment venue: https://www.redrocknews.com/2019/03/22/history-of-the-fall-of-sedona-cultural-park/
Why YES on Prop 483 is the right vote!
Before we go down the road of the old culture park's resurrection, let's ask some simple business questions.
And remember, there's no reason to be having this conversation now, since the comprehensive planning process hasn't even started, and the proponents of the rebirth of the amphitheater would have their day in front of the community and council to "sell" the idea.
But since they decided to make this an issue in March 2024, and force the citizens to "vote" on it in November of 2024, let's have the discussion that will determine whether or not rebuilding the amphitheater a good or a dumb idea.
Ownership and Financing
- Ownership: Determining whether the city or the new group will own the venue is crucial for establishing legal and financial responsibility.
- Financing: Identifying funding sources for the new center, including the total cost estimate, will clarify financial feasibility and commitment.
Parking, Accessibility, and Operational Costs.
And where will the money come from – Taxpayers, bonds, or private funding?
- Parking and Accessibility: Plans for accommodating 2,000 to 3,000 cars, including land scraping, paving, and installing ADA-compliant walkway ramps with safety lighting, and let's not forget Zoning will mandate paved parking for a venue that will only be in operation several months a year.
- Operational Costs: Understanding the ongoing costs and strategies for covering potential deficits is necessary for long-term sustainability.
- Management: Determining who will manage the venue and pay the associated costs.
- Weather Considerations: Addressing the limited usability due to weather conditions is vital for planning and maximizing the venue's potential, summer heat and afternoon rain, winter to cold.
- Noise and Traffic: Solutions for mitigating sound issues and traffic congestion, especially given the proximity to residential areas, are critical for community acceptance; what will the development impacts be, and will they be acceptable to the citizens of Sedona?
- Demand and Alternatives: Assessing the market for such a venue, considering local and out-of-town visitors, and determining the availability of alternatives are crucial in justifying the project.
- Existing Facilities: Evaluating why current local entertainment options, such as the high school theater (800-seat Sedona Performing Arts Theater) and the 300-seat Posse Grounds Park Pavilion, are underused can provide insights into demand and potential success.
- City Development Plans: Understanding how the event center fits into broader city development plans, including housing and land use, is essential for aligning with community goals and needs. This includes a future study to consider annexing the "Dells" which is the large 200+ acre property 5 miles west of town owned by the city and master planning it for future uses which could include an open-air entertainment/event/park and various types of housing. These future "p;anning" initiatives are part of the recently approved 10 year Community Plan>
Community and Economic Considerations
- Community Support: Gauging whether Sedona residents would support a bond or new taxes to rebuild the park and absorb losses is crucial for community backing.
- Economic Impact: Considering the logistical challenges of bringing in event vendors and the competition with Phoenix and Flagstaff venues can help evaluate economic viability. Does the city of Sedona or its hotels need the extra weekend business? Do the locals want more traffic on weekends?
Addressing these questions requires thorough research, community engagement, and strategic planning. Engaging with stakeholders, including city officials, potential users, residents, and financial experts, will be critical in developing a well-rounded and supported plan for the event center.
A comprehensive design plan
- For the city-owned Western Gateway, the zoning change is the first step in deciding the future uses of the area. The planning and review process will be long and drawn out, as it should be, with input from the citizens of Sedonas.
Those who initiated the referendum Prop 483 expressed their unhappiness with the city input process regarding the zoning changes. Still, a slow, well-thought-out plan is necessary for any changes in zoning and land use and, yes, long meetings with the city council and planning and Zoning.
VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 483 in the November 5 General Election!
This is the current condition of the defunct, failed, and abandoned 5,000-seat amphitheater.