The ruling was made despite the efforts of Wendy Lippman, the General Manager and Resident Partner of Tlaquepaue, who urged ADOT to consider realigning SR 179 to the north of its current location in order to preserve Tlaquepaque's architecturally historic ambiance and its existing landscape.

Ms. Lippman also believes that the proposed work on SR 179 could irreparably damage 33 of Tlaquepaque's existing sycamores.  Seventeen are located along the highway and another 16 along the west bank of the Oak Creek.

Given the large flow of traffic that enters Sedona and moves toward the "Y" on a daily basis, the widening and upgrade of SR 179 and the inclusion of bike paths and walkways will serve Sedona well into the future.  But will the construction irreparably harm Tlaquepaque?

Since the court ruling, there has been confusion over the extent of the damage the SR 179 construction project might create at Tlaquepaque.

The speculation has ranged from three trees being removed to more than 60, including trees along Hwy 179 in front of Many Hands Gallery across from Portal Lane, and trees on the north and south side of the existing bridge. 

We do know that there are two sycamores which are 24" in diameter and 32" in diameter, along with five large cottonwood trees directly across the street from Garland's Rugs, that will likely be destroyed.  This count does not include all of the smaller saplings and willows in the Creek bed, or those removed north and south of Tlaquepaque's property along the Creek.

We understand that the entire front stretch of the Tlaquepaque wall facing the road will become a two lane highway with a raised median with a walkway and bike path, and there is concern that the sycamore trees along the wall of Hwy 179, both inside and out, could be compromised, and that many of sycamores on the highway frontage could be harmed by the installation of storm drains.

There is also concern that the removal of vegetation in the Creek bed will increase bank erosion, due to the lack of natural obstructions to slow the water, and eventually threaten the sycamores and property on the west bank of Oak Creek.

Ms. Lippman would be pleased to have Sedona residents email her at Wendylippm@aol.com if they'd like to learn more.