After nearly two years of meetings, redesigns, public input and even more meetings, rezoning for the CVS project was approved last month. But now, many have been asking when they’ll see the first shovel of dirt turned.

Up until the final vote, developers of the nationwide pharmacy chain had begun designing an alternative plan for the five acres located at the intersection of State Route 89A and Airport Road.

But with the rezoning approval, the developers have agreed to abide by their original plan, which includes open space and community benefits. Some of those include:

• Construct a 12,913-square-foot pharmacy.
• Set aside 3.18 acres for open space preservation and record a deed restriction prohibiting development of the open space area.
• Widening Airport Road at the W. State Route 89A intersection to accommodate potential future changes to the intersection.
• $19,800 contribution to the City’s Affordable Housing Fund.
• Compliance with public art requirements.
• Payment of development impact fees.
• Construction of a pedestrian paths, sidewalk, curb and gutter along the Airport Road frontage to W. Brins Mesa Road.
• Construction of an access drive along 89A for left-in, right-in, right-out.
• Limit operation to  12 hours per day, including all deliveries and trash pick-up.

Community Development Director Audree Juhlin and Associate Planner Cari Meyer, both of whom have worked closely with CVS representatives over the last two years, said a time frame for construction has yet to be determined. Meyer said CVS representatives told her they hope to have the building permit application completed by July 9.

“The review and approval process takes about 30 days but if we need more information, the ball is back in their court, which would delay the process,” Juhlin said.

Even though Sedona’s Stephen Thompson is the main architect on the project, they said CVS’ corporate architects will also be reviewing the design in regard to aspects such as color, lighting and finishings.

As for when construction would begin, Meyer said, “I assume they want to start as soon as possible. But, I haven’t been given a construction schedule from them.”

Juhlin added that once construction begins, there are several variables as to when a project like CVS would be complete.

Those can include weather, subcontractors and in this case, excavation and leveling of the land.

But both feel that a realistic time frame as to when the store will open for business is nine to 12 months following the turning of that first shovel of dirt.

To stay up-to-date on what’s happening around town, see the Wednesday, June 10, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.