Hello GVCA members and friends:
As we reflect on 2023, it's evident that a prevailing theme in our corner of Poway has been the constant hum of construction activity at the Farm development and the natural gas pipeline along Espola and Pomerado Roads. While we eagerly anticipate the day when the disruptions fade away, it's heartening to note the significant progress made this year, bringing us closer to the moment when normalcy returns to our lives. Let’s take a brief look back at some significant events from this year and share some thoughts for the upcoming year.
Changes on the City Council
This summer saw the resignation of District 2 Councilmember Barry Leonard, who returned to his East Coast roots. In July, the City Council unanimously appointed our very own Anita Edmondson from GVCA to fill the vacancy for the remainder of Mr. Leonard’s term. While we are sorry to lose Anita's leadership at GVCA, we are confident she will be a strong and capable representative on the council!
The Farm in Poway
The relentless hammering and earthmoving have been a constant backdrop this year. We understand the challenges and share your eagerness for it to conclude. So far, 110 homes in the Farm project have been completed and sold, with another 50 still under construction. The walking paths are making progress and are expected to be complete early in 2024. However, the commercial elements of the project will take additional time.
Life Time Proposal: Many of you are aware of Life Time's proposal for a luxury fitness club at the Farm development, featuring a 30,500 sqft structure, patio, pools, pickleball, and food/beverage services. In November, GVCA hosted a community forum where representatives from Life Time and the city addressed questions from the community about the proposed facility. The video of the forum is available on our Facebook page.
Life Time is currently under contract to purchase the site, and their official presentation/application to the City Council, originally scheduled for December 5th, has been postponed. This delay is to accommodate additional traffic studies. While we anticipate city approval, a city-wide vote in the November 2024 general election is expected to finalize the decision. At this time, the GVCA remains neutral on the proposal, understanding both the appeal of the proposed club features and the valid concerns about potential impacts on our community.
Butterfly Farm: Exciting news! Butterfly Farms of Encinitas is gearing up to commence construction of a 6,000 sq. ft. butterfly vivarium. Once grading and the parking area are complete, the facility will also include a small office space, restrooms, covered patio, and education area. Anticipate the vivarium to be fully operational by spring 2025, providing a unique and beautiful addition to our community.
Commercial Flower Field: Bandy Canyon Floral, renowned for supplying bouquets to Costco, has secured the commercial flower field project. After grading completion, a well will be dug, and planting will commence. While it may take a few years for the fields of protea, grevillea, wax plants, and other flora to flourish, we can look forward to a stunning landscape.
Barn and Social Area: Due to the considerable increase in construction costs and interest rates, the plans for the Barn and Social Area are temporarily on hold. The property owner, however, remains committed to creating a vibrant space for the community and is exploring options to ensure the realization of a restaurant and beer garden.
Stay updated on construction progress by registering at LennarSDBuilds.com.
Sharp Healthcare Hospice Home
In 2021, Sharp Healthcare acquired the property at the southwest corner of Espola and Valle Verde. Grading commenced in 2022 for the construction of a six-bedroom hospice care home and then activity stopped. Construction has now resumed with underground utility work. The State of California holds responsibility for licensing the hospice facility, while the City of Poway is tasked with approving the physical structure in line with local zoning standards. We will continue to monitor progress on this addition to our community.
The Growth of ADUs
We believe that there are currently about 100 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Poway, many of which are tastefully and thoughtfully designed. ADUs provide homeowners a means of adding living space for family members or for rental, but can also bring unwelcome issues with crowding, parking, traffic and noise to our community. GVCA's concern is that State legislation has removed almost all local control over these structures, allowing homeowners to build almost anything on their property. ADUs are quickly becoming a significant issue for our community, pitting the rights of property owners and the State's desire to create additional housing against local communities' desire to control growth and density.
The GVCA will encourage the City Council to explore ways, in conjunction with other cities, to regain some measure of local control over unsightly and over dense ADU construction, especially with regard for setbacks and side yards.
PCPA Capital Improvement Project
During the Poway City Council meeting on December 5th, funding was granted for the repair and modernization of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA)'s roof and HVAC system. These initiatives are integral components of the FY23-24 Capital Improvement Project program. The anticipated timeline for completion is set for the annual maintenance closure of the PCPA in July-August 2024.
This is my final "President's Letter" as I am stepping down from the board at year-end to take on full-time grandfather duties. I wish you and your loved ones a happy and prosperous 2024!
John DeSantis, President