In an effort to address the burgeoning housing crisis in Sedona, Arizona, the city council has moved to allow local workers and students to sleep in their cars. The decision, which has sparked a significant amount of debate among residents, would create a designated area called 'the safe place to park' equipped with showers, restrooms, and trash bins, as reported by 12news.com.
According to city officials, this measure is seen as a temporary fix until the city can increase its supply of up to 1,300 new housing units. Despite the fact, that the proposal has met with resistance, with locals worrying about the safety and potential disturbances to the community, the program moves forward, funded largely by a grant from the Arizona Department of Housing, as stated by Sedona City Councilwoman Jessica Williamson.
Council members have emphasized the reluctant nature of their decision, understanding that this is not an ideal situation. "We have members of our community that need help and we can do this temporary thing. It's not the best thing...we're working on it," Councilman Pete Furman told 12news.com. Sedona Mayor Scott Jablow echoed this sentiment in an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix, admitting, "We have to do something. Our businesses are complaining they have their employees sleeping in the forest." Jablow described the initiatives as far from perfect but necessary given the lack of better options.
While the city council has approved the plan, not all locals are on board, a group is now gathering signatures to challenge the decision and potentially put it to a vote in November. Under the plan, individuals wishing to use the safe parking area will need to provide proof of employment, or school enrolment and no parties or camping will be permitted. As reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, the site will accommodate up to 40 vehicles and will operate from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Amid heated council meetings and community pushback, the program spotlights the dire housing affordability issues plaguing Sedona, a town that relies heavily on its workforce for sustaining the tourism-driven economy. A recent Zillow search indicated the severity of the situation, with the cheapest rental going for $1,350 per month for a 360-square-foot studio, while the average home price soared over $930,000. This price point puts adequate housing out of reach for many of the city's workers, as Martin Galvez, a longtime restaurant owner, attested in speaking with FOX 10 Phoenix: "Bussers, dishwashers, they cannot afford to live here."
