The Arizona Department of Transportation plans to spend $200,000 more on the Hwy. 179 Improvement Project to save trees between the ‘Y’ intersection and Oak Creek Bridge.
Larson Newspapers
The Arizona Department of Transportation plans to spend $200,000 more on the Hwy. 179 Improvement Project to save trees between the ‘Y’ intersection and Oak Creek Bridge.
Three alterations to ADOT’s plan for the corridor came after residents, local organizations and businesses protested ADOT’s plan to remove fewer than 10 trees with diameters of 18 inches or more.
Now, fewer than six of that size will be cut down.
“Obviously we are thrilled with the changes,” Tlaquepaque General Manager and Resident Partner Wendy Lippman said. “I am truly appreciative.”
Lippman lost a court case against ADOT in July in which she wanted the entire roadway shifted to avoid Tlaquepaque’s property.
Lippman apologized for the “fiasco” but said she feels the outcome is better for all parties involved.
In August, neon signs appeared on trees in the area, protesters rallied along the highway and Tlaquepaque hung a banner that read, “Save our trees.”
In response, ADOT made three changes to its plan. Changes include:
n Relocation of a storm drain to the center of the road rather than in front of Tlaquepaque.
n Temporary stabilization of the western bank of Oak Creek during construction to protect trees.
n Creating a meandering sidewalk on the north side of Hwy. 179 to save large sycamores.
Sedona City Council adopted a resolution at its Tuesday, Sept. 11, meeting to support ADOT’s changes and commended ADOT employees for their work with the public.
“We’ve tried to incorporate the community’s wishes whenever we could,” ADOT Deputy Director Richard Travis said.
Travis said ADOT remains at council and the public’s disposal and wants to keep communication lines open.
“This is part of the dialogue we started long ago and it needs to continue,” Travis said.
ADOT started working with the public and city more than three years ago to design an acceptable road.
“We really have to get along to get through this,” Mayor Pud Colquitt said.
Trista Steers can be reached at 282-7795, Ext. 129, or e-mail to tsteers@larsonnewspapers.com
