City Wraps Up Final Forest Road Lawsuits, Costs Soar 69% Above Estimates

After more than two years of negotiations and construction, Sedona has finally secured clear title to the land for its Forest Road Extension project. This significant milestone comes after reaching settlements with the Bowers family and Dr. Farshid Paydar.

The project aimed to secure right-of-way or easements from 11 parcels owned by nine individuals. While four property owners accepted the city’s initial compensation offer, five others contested the amounts, prompting the city to initiate condemnation proceedings in Coconino County Superior Court for their properties.

As of August 26, several key settlements were finalised. Jean McDonald, the owner of 731 Forest Road, settled for $256,000 after an initial offer of $110,565. The Penmans at 760 Forest Road received approximately $419,750, up from an initial offer of $241,128. Similarly, the Hyatt Residence Club agreed to a settlement of $450,000, surpassing their earlier offer of $223,299.

On October 8, the Sedona City Council approved a settlement with the Bowers family, who own 741 Forest Road, significantly impacted by the extension. The city had condemned 0.9 acres of their 2.66-acre parcel, decreasing usable land for the family. Initially, the city offered $225,913, but after negotiation, a final compensation of $383,485.87 was agreed upon, including interest and a temporary construction easement.

Moreover, a settlement with Dr. Farshid Paydar, owner of 750 Forest Road, was on the council’s agenda for approval on November 26. The city sought to acquire 0.82 acres from his 1.83-acre property. Despite an initial compensation offer of $481,914, Paydar’s counterclaim stood at $1,658,000. Ultimately, they settled on $660,000.

Additionally, Paydar had previously secured $216,683 for easements on two adjoining parcels. Originally projected costs for the necessary easements and right-of-way were estimated at $1,282,819, but the total for the five final settlements reached $2,169,235.87, exceeding estimates by 69%. Compensation for property owners who contested the condemnations ranged from 37% to 132% above the city’s initial offers.

What started as a project slated for completion in summer 2023 at a cost of $1.6 million has now ballooned to an expected completion in March 2025, with costs climbing to approximately $21 million.