Latest News at Chapel Neighbors

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On May 7, 2025 our Chapel Neighbors Community Group joined the City of Sedona, U.S. Forest Service, and Chapel of the Holy Cross representatives to tackle a familiar challenge: the single-road bottleneck on Chapel Road that serves all East Chapel residents and visitors.

What is the Chapel of the Holy Cross Proposing?

• One-way loop: Cars would enter via Fox Road, circle an expanded lower lot (+53 spaces, 118 total), then exit on Chapel Road—aimed at easing backups.
• Shared-use path: An extended, wide trail for walkers, cyclists, and golf-cart shuttles linking the lower lot to the chapel ramp.
• Permanent facilities: 1,300 sq ft restrooms, a water station, and secure storage to replace the current portables.

Key discussion points:

• Safety first – All parties agreed that repeated traffic jams can delay emergency vehicles. The City will launch a traffic study—covering peak periods like Thanksgiving and spring break—to decide when congestion becomes a public-safety red flag.
• “Build it, they will come?” – Extra parking could draw more visitors; leaders want data before paving. Options such as timed reservations and remote shuttles remain on the table.
• Funding hurdles – The Forest Service nixed “memorial paver” fundraising, suggesting grants instead; community members offered to help chase those dollars.
• Collaboration commitment – A working group (Chapel, City, USFS, Neighbors) will meet every 2-3 months, to refine phased project plans and keep neighbors in the loop.

Next steps:

• Chapel of the Holy Cross will file an Annual Operating Plan and an updated Master Development Plan with the Forest Service.
• The City’s traffic team will define “pinch-point” thresholds and share data from similar cases (e.g., Back O’ Beyond).
• Chapel Neighbors will brief residents, gather feedback, and ensure neighborhood emergency-egress needs stay front-and-center.

We’re encouraged by the spirit of “let’s make this better—together.” Stay tuned for the June follow-up, and reach out if you’d like to get involved or share ideas.

On May 5, 2025, members of the Chapel Neighbors Community Group met with representatives from the City of Sedona, the Sedona Fire District, and the U.S. Forest Service to discuss pressing public safety concerns tied to the limited emergency access for East Chapel residents.

With only one main way in or out via Chapel Road, the East Chapel area—home to over 100 households—is vulnerable during high-traffic periods or emergencies. At the heart of the meeting was the goal of identifying possible secondary egress routes and getting initial feedback from key agencies.

Four potential options were discussed, ranging from new shared-use paths (SUPs) to possible road connectors across public and private land. Some proposals would require new permits or property acquisition, while others may face community concerns or logistical hurdles.

City, fire, and forest officials emphasized:

• The importance of a traffic and evacuation study to evaluate real impact.
• The critical need for Firewise practices like vegetation clearing to keep roads usable in emergencies.
• The challenge of balancing community support with budget constraints and regulatory steps.

What’s next?

• The City will explore the feasibility of a focused traffic study and may loop in a new emergency coordinator (expected Fall 2025).
• Chapel Neighbors will continue building neighborhood consensus.
• The Forest Service will review current easements and potential permitting needs for affected areas.

This meeting marked a strong step forward in our collaborative effort to improve safety and resilience in the Chapel community. We’re grateful to all participants and remain committed to a thoughtful, proactive path ahead.