SFD Sparks Controversy with City Land Swap to Relocate Station

The Sedona City Council convened with the Sedona Fire District (SFD) Governing Board on September 25 to evaluate potential land exchange options for relocating Fire Station 4 from its current location at 391 Forest Road in Uptown. This meeting marked a significant collaborative effort between the two entities to address a longstanding issue.

Among the primary sites considered for a swap is the 1.75-acre city-owned property at 401 Jordan Road. Originally constructed in 1973 as Valley Bank, this site was acquired by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and transferred to the city in May 2021, currently serving as an overflow parking lot. SFD Chief Ed Mezulis indicated that the majority of the parcel would be utilized for a new fire station if the exchange occurs. “The north side would likely accommodate some public parking to maintain accessibility for Uptown businesses,” he explained.

Principal Planner Cynthia Lovely noted a private developer’s interest in constructing a workforce housing project at the Jordan Road site. She informed the developer to await the discussions’ outcome before proceeding with an RFP to select a developer. Councilman Brian Fultz asserted that exchanging the Jordan property with SFD wouldn’t be a major concession, given the property’s acquisition history preceding the council’s 2022 decision to purchase the Sedona Cultural Park.

Vice Mayor Holli Ploog raised queries about possible SFD exchange properties. Mezulis acknowledged that while most SFD land is outside city limits, the parcel at 431 Forest Road, currently leased to the city for parking, could be up for discussion if SFD retains a communications tower on an adjacent 0.13-acre site. He also emphasized the need to acquire two additional parcels at 461 Forest and 441 Forest to facilitate a new station’s construction on 431 Forest, clarifying that the owner of 441 Forest is unlikely to sell.

Mezulis highlighted the complexity of the situation, reiterating that the absence of 441 Forest would limit the new station’s design to a similar framework as the existing one. Deputy City Manager Andy Dickey suggested exploring the potential for condemning those adjacent properties. City attorney Kurt Christianson confirmed the fire district’s power of condemnation, should it become necessary.

City staff examined other site alternatives, including parcels near 221 Brewer Road and 260 Schnebly Road, the site of the main Uptown parking lot, which was ultimately dismissed. Lovely also mentioned the possibility of utilizing land behind the Sedona-Oak Creek School District property, although this opportunity remains in the preliminary discussion phase.

Mezulis provided insight into the ongoing challenges, noting drainage issues at the Brewer Road site and a projected timeline suggesting work might not commence until 2030. “While this area would provide quick access to major routes once the Forest Road extension is complete, moving the station out of Uptown could alter service dynamics,” he warned.

During the meeting, Mezulis shared the historical context of the Station 4 evaluation process. He acknowledged that discussions had been ongoing for decades without resolution. Previous attempts to secure funding for a new station saw significant opposition, such as the 2017 rejection of a $17.9 million bond by 56% of voters. However, with SFD’s capital reserves now approaching $7.79 million, the district is revisiting the construction of two new stations.

“We’ve initiated a fully funded ten-year capital plan for Station 4, aiming for a $10 million budget that combines cash and financing,” Mezulis noted. He expressed concern over rising construction costs but remains optimistic about the SFD’s financial capacity to carry out the project. “Since 2012, costs have surged by 200%. Although expenses are likely to remain high, our current financial posture is strong enough to move forward. This isn’t just a want; it’s a necessity we’ve recognized since 1996,” he stated.

The vision for the new station includes modern features such as drive-through bays, enhanced separation of living and working areas, efficient accessibility, and community meeting spaces. The current facility, established in 1972, fails to meet modern standards and has significant structural issues. “Seconds matter in emergencies. Each door and stair adds precious time,” Mezulis emphasized.

Looking ahead, SFD and the city plan to reconvene in approximately two months to further discuss the potential relocation options for Fire Station 4. This collaboration reflects a renewed commitment to enhancing public safety and community service in Sedona.