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.