By Huston Dunston Jr. | Cronkite News
SEDONA — Sedona has been looking for solutions to its homelessness problem and city leaders think the Safe Place to Park Program could be a step in the right direction, but residents against the program have stalled the measure by pushing to take the issue to a public vote in November.
The program is meant for people who work in Sedona but can’t find affordable housing there and are living out of their vehicles. The proposed program would provide legal overnight parking, some amenities and help finding housing. To be eligible for the program, participants would have to prove employment in the city and have a registered and insured vehicle.
The Sedona City Council voted 6-1 on March 12 to approve the zoning change that would make the program possible.
City Councilor Jessica Williamson said the program, which is expected to run for up to two years, aims to keep this workforce intact until the city can get more housing built. Williamson also wants the public to know that there will be security and police presence in the area.
