The City of Sedona in Arizona has long been revered for its affluence in amenities, scenic surroundings and beauty, which has seen the area experience tremendous growth in the last two decades. This has made Sedona one of the most frequented placed in the world (Keller, 1999). Activities that have often made the town famous include farming and ranching, a recreation, moviemaking, spiritual practice and thriving artists and art colony, all of which have found a home in this place, thereby changing the town from the frontier way station that it was in the past to the resort destination jewel that it has become (Keller, 1999). The attraction of people from diverse backgrounds has led to increased population number, tourist load, and workforce commuters. Quite a large number of sources of disagreements and conflicts exist thanks to the diversity of the population (Keller, 1999). Sedona has been forced to make decisions pertaining to environmental conservation versus transportation capacity and economic growth. However, capacity and transportation needs have been the key issue.
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Get Help Now!Sedona is mainly accessed through two key thoroughfares; the State route 89A and the State Route 179 whose intersection forms a “Y” at the business district of the city. The history of these roads is founded as dirt routes that were used as wagon trails and cattle tracks in the 19th century (Shapiro, 2005). State Route 179 is located along Sedona’s original wagon route and makes up the north-south connection that ranging between the Village of Oak Creek and Interstate 17 and continues at the northern terminus to Sedona (Shapiro, 2005).
One of the key conflicts concerning State Route- 179 of Sedona is traffic congestion. As stated, the city has been attracting hordes of people. Research shows that the population in the city has almost doubled since 1969, which has not only affected the housing sector but also increased safety problems and traffic congestion (Wilson, 2011). The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) projects that State Route 179 will experience a 32%-93% increase in traffic by 2025, in which case the problem will be considerably magnified. State Route 179 is the key route to interstate 17, not to mention between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek (Shapiro, 2005). The conflict lies in the fact that the diverse population has a difference of opinion as to the appropriate action. Some people would prefer to the expansion of the roads so as to enhance traffic flow in and around Sedona’s tourist attractions and its galleries and shops (Shapiro, 2005). On the other hand, other people would prefer minimization of traffic so as to sustain the surrounding area’s pristine beauty. In essence, it is a question between environmental and economic decision (Lee, 2011).
Three options were put forward for solving the traffic problem in State Route 179. First, the Arizona Department of transportation came up with the 4/5 plan, which involved the expansion of the road to four and five lanes so as to enhance traffic flow for at least the next two decades (Wilson, 2011). The second option suggested by the Voice of Choice suggested that some moderate improvements be made in the current, two-lane route 179 while leaving the road substantially intact just like the scenic by way that it has always been (Shapiro, 2005). The third alternative revolved around the “Transit Alternative” which utilizes trolley cars and shuttle service in an effort to ease congestion. The fourth alternative underlined the Alternative Corridors Plan where different traffic routes would be followed to enhance the flow. Lastly, there was the alternative of doing nothing (Ficker, 2010). Arizona Department of Transportation, through its Final Environmental Assessment, decided to take the first alternative, (dubbed “the 4/% proposal), and stated that this was the only option that accommodated public safety, as well as the expected increase in traffic flow for the next several decade to offer acceptable service levels in the highway. In essence, proposal 4/% referred to as “Alternative C” was adopted by ADOT thanks to its technical merit (Ficker, 2010).
Unfortunately, this choice did not go down well with various groups. In fact, the conflict escalated after the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) made the choice. Every alternative had its core supporters, in which case the conflict boiled to the debate between “two lanes” and “four lanes”. A number of citizens felt that ADOT had ignored their views in which case they formed the Voice of Choice, with the sole agenda of convincing the Arizona state to reconsider the decision (Ficker, 2010). As much as they preferred a two-lane outcome, they had the sole objective of having a public process that would allow for revisiting of the decision. The group hired professionals such as attorneys and consultants who would support their point of view and cause. Their efforts resulted in the complete overhaul of the entire project by setting “Alternative C” aside without having a clear substitute (Lee, 2011). This was followed by a public process developed in an effort to determine the likes and preferences of individuals living around or in Sedona. Tentative steps were taken from 2001 to 2003 to make a resolution for the conflict via a plan called the “Needs Based Implementation Plan” (NBIP).
References
Ficker, J, (2010). Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona. New York: Avalon Travel
Shapiro, R, (2005). Touching Sedona: Speaks of Many Truths. New York: Light Technology Publishing
Keller, M.L (1999). Echoes of Sedona Past. Nevada: Light Technology Publishing
Wilson, M.J, (2011). Sedona: The Lost Vortex. New York: CreateSpace
Shapiro, R (2005). Feeling Sedona’s Et Energies. New York: Light Technology Publishing
Lee, I, (2011). The Call of Sedona: Journey of the Heart. Nevada: BEST Life Media
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