2020 is shaping up to be a big year for Poway residents to make important decisions at the ballot box. Two upcoming ballot issues are contentious and divisive as their passage could impact the quality of life for many in our community. While emotion often plays into the decision- making process, we advocate for an informed approach – taking a step back to understand the facts without bias. Here, we take a look at two key issues voters are facing this year. And see our LMD update inside for information on an issue that is still alive and could return to the ballot in 2021.
MEASURE P:
$448 Million PUSD School Improvement Bond
Last fall, Poway Unified School District initiated a Facilities Master Plan process to evaluate and score the condition of all 39 school facilities in the district. The study determined that 62 percent (24 out of 39) of PUSD schools will be in “poor” condition by the year 2023.
To help fund improvements to school facilities, the district has put forth a bond measure, the first since the billion dollar Prop U capital appreciation bond (CAB) was approved in 2008. On March 3rd voters across the entire Poway Unified School District region will vote on Measure P which seeks approval for $448,000,000 in bonds to improve classrooms, science labs, and career-training facilities that support college and preparation/career readiness.
Passage will require at least 55% of voter approval.
If the measure passes, property taxes for all homeowners in the PUSD region will increase $33.90 for every $100,000 of assessed value while the bonds are outstanding.
If approved, PUSD would be eligible for $90,000,000 in additional state matching funds.
The money from the bond measure cannot be used for salaries, benefits or pensions for administrators or teachers. However, it could free up money in the district’s general fund that would otherwise fund facilities needs and be used for other programs and positions.
This bond measure includes community facilities districts (CFDs) – communities that assess a Mello Roos Special Tax – because Mello Roos funds may not be used for the ongoing repair, improvement, or maintenance of school facilities; they can only fund the construction of new facilities projects.
The Farm in Poway
Another potential hot-button ballot measure could determine the fate of the former StoneRidge Country Club. If placed on the November 3rd ballot by City Council, all voters in the City of Poway will be asked to approve a measure allowing the rezoning and specific plan for the 117 acres of the StoneRidge Country Club property. The proposed project is known as the “The Farm in Poway” and would include:
160 homes on 33.86 acres for an average of 4.7 dwellings per acre
A 4,246 sq ft community social center, 2,673 sq ft cafe with wine and beer garden, butterfly farm, athletic club with pool, tennis and pickleball courts
Project amenities will include a tot lot, community gardens, public trails, dog park, amphitheater, 15+ acres of agricultural fields, and 20+ acres of open space
The GVCA is moderating a Q&A event on Sunday, March 1st at 4:00 pm at Painted Rock Elementary School. The panel will includerepresentatives from the developer, consultants, and City staff who will answer audience questions about the project.
Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) UPDATE
Following the defeat of the ballot measures in May 2018 to create two new LMDs and assessments along Espola Road (86-1) and Twin Peaks Road (83-1), City Staff formed an LMD Advisory Group comprised of residents from both LMDs. The Advisory Group is working with KTU&A, a landscape consultant retained by the City, to obtain feedback from residents in LMD areas, draft a Master Landscape Plan, and communicate with the public.
Upcoming activities and public outreach include:
Survey in April 2020 to gain an understanding of how residents in the two LMDs feel about the condition of landscaping in their district and their priorities for future work.
Community workshops in June 2020 to obtain public input on the Master Landscape plan.
Dedicated LMD website available soon: www.powayLMD.com
Residents in these districts are encouraged to watch their mail for a postcard mailing on the upcoming survey and to contact the advisory group with questions at any time by emailing: powayLMDadvisory@gmail.com