Initial work on The Farm in Poway begins, timeline established

One point of contention with many residents for and against Measure P was the maintenance and security of the shuttered StoneRidge property for the last two years. With the passage of the measure, these issues are already being addressed, including vegetation cleanup on the street frontage along Espola Road, mowing the weeds on the golf course, removing the driving range netting, and repairing the temporary fence around the property.

Once escrow closes on the property this spring transferring ownership from Michael Schlesinger to the developer, the project is expected to progress according to this timeline:

What the future holds for the Green Valley area

In spite of much our lives as we knew it being put on hold for most of 2020,
a lot happened during the year that will set the course for the future of this corner of Poway.

The Farm in Poway passes by a large margin
With the turn of the calendar, 2020 will be the last year we refer to the 117-acre former golf course as StoneRidge Country Club. With the passage of Measure P inNovember 2020, it is now officially “The Farm in Poway.”

Unlike the previous Measure A on the ballot in 2017, the GVCA board voted to endorse Measure P - The Farm in Poway Specific Plan after extensively reviewing project reports and studies, gathering public input, hosting a public forum, and considering the merits and concerns about the development.

The measure passed city-wide 62.1 percent to 37.89 percent with a total of 28,147 ballots cast, and approval in every precinct.* The wide margin of approval, particularly in the Green Valley, Valle Verde/Silver Saddle neighborhoods and the area directly around the property confirm that our endorsement represented local voter sentiment.

The project developer, led by local resident Kevin McNamara, has already begun cleaning up the property and preparing it for the next stage in the development process.

A call for civility

Like the previous ballot measure, Measure P spurred much local debate, something the GVCA highly encourages for major issues that would have a large and lasting impact on the community. The negative tone, however, in many online discussions was disheartening.

With the measure behind us and a new project to look forward to, we encourage all residents to find common ground in what is good for the community in the long run, and engage in constructive, not destructive, dialog on issues important to all of us.

What’s on the horizon

While the fate of the former StoneRidge Country Club property has been determined, the GVCA will continue to track its development progress and compliance with the Specific Plan.

We are also keeping an eye on other issues impacting the community, including:

• Possible Prop FF land use change to allow a hotel on the Maderas Golf Club property.

• Maintenance plan and future funding for the 86-1 Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) on Espola Road.

• Ownership and operation of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.

Federal funding brings relief for Poway Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs)

The City of Poway recently received a $1.5 million Hazardous Mitigation Grant from FEMA to improve the City’s Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs), including LMD 86-1 along Espola Road from Valle Verde to south of Titan Way and in designated open areas commonly known as Green Valley. The City of Poway will contribute approximately $500,000 from the General Reserve Fund. LMD 83-1 along Twin Peaks Road from Pomerado Road to Midland Road will also undergo improvements with the funds.

In Phase 1 of the project, an inventory and assessment of the hazardous trees within the project area will be conducted, followed by a Certified Arborist assessment report to identify vulnerable and high-risk trees for removal. This phase will also include public outreach and environmental permitting.

City renews efforts to retain ownership of the performing arts center

In the fall of 2019, the Poway Unified School District expressed an interest in acquiring the Poway Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA) which sits on district- owned property on Espola Road adjacent to Poway High School. Facing serious budget concerns and the City’s ability to fund the center’s operating expenses, City Council considered a staff report on several PCPA operational options, including selling or closing the center. Council also heard vehement public opposition to losing the center at a community workshop.

Since then, council members Dave Grosch and Barry Leonard have led efforts to ensure that the facility remains City-owned and a subcommittee was formed last July to explore ways to keep PCPA a viable venue for the arts in the area. Grosch and Leonard continue to meet with stakeholders and community members to discuss ideas for improving access and programming of events, as well as funding considerations. A public workshop is tentatively scheduled for March 2021.