Hello GVCA members and friends,
I hope this letter finds you in good spirits and good health. Let’s just say it: 2021 was a tough year. A year defined by COVID Delta and Omicron variants, masks and mandates, vaccines and boosters, cancelled and scaled-back events. It was a no-fun year following on the heels of the previous no-fun year. But life goes on, and through it all, our community continued to grow and make progress on the issues that are important to us.
Here’s a look at those key projects last year and how they will unfold and impact the GVCA community in the new year.
The Farm in Poway development begins
Following the passage of Measure P in 2020, The Farm in Poway development on the old StoneRidge Country Club property began in 2021. Cleanup of the dead brush and trees along Espola Road, demolition of the old clubhouse and support structures was completed last summer, trees were removed at the end of the year, and grading is now underway. Construction of the first houses is scheduled to begin this summer, starting at the back end of the property.
Measure P passed with over 60% of votes cast in 2020 and GVCA supported it as the best alternative for this troubled property in the heart of our community. To those who remain unhappy with this development, I would simply ask that you take a moment to consider the positives: the property is now in the hands of a local developer not an outsider; the dead and dying landscape along Espola Road has been cleaned up and will be replaced with new, healthy landscaping; the vandalized and graffiti-tagged clubhouse and other buildings are gone; and we are one year closer to having an attractive community of homes, social facilities and open space for the public to enjoy where an eyesore once stood for many years.
No property development perfectly meets the needs and wants of every individual in an entire community. But without The Farm at Poway, many years would have likely passed before another viable project came along, and with aggressive housing legislation being proposed by state lawmakers, it may have come with much greater density and impacts to the area.
I encourage residents to look past the dust and disruption of this construction period to the better neighborhood that will come from it.
Progress continues on Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs)
There has been progress in the city’s LMDs which will continue in 2022:
Last year, the city received a $1.9 million federal grant ($1.4 million from FEMA with a $500,000 city match) to remove hazardous trees that pose a fire and wind hazard. The designated areas for tree removal are the two LMDs along Twin Peaks Road (LMD 83-1) and Espola Road (LMD 86-1) and specific open areas in Green Valley. The city is currently conducting the environmental assessment phase of the Hazardous Tree Removal project. Analysis will be complete by May 2022. Removal of hazardous (dead, diseased and structurally unsound) trees is scheduled to begin in summer 2022. Based on our discussions with the city, this is a long-term project that will take years and additional funding to complete. Nonetheless, in this environment of persistent drought and threat of wildfires, we believe it is an important priority for our community, and we support the city’s ongoing efforts.
The city is nearing completion of a Landscape Master Plan (LMP) for the two LMDs. The LMP will provide concepts for replacing the lost landscaping at entrances to neighborhoods in the districts, as well as plans for replacement of removed trees along Espola Road and Twin Peaks Road. The city will hold public meetings on the conceptual/draft Landscape Master Plan this spring to share concepts and receive community input.
The LMD Advisory Group, a volunteer group of homeowners in both LMDs continues to work with the City of Poway to find a way to enhance our neighborhoods and address fire safety by securing sufficient funding to implement sustainable landscaping improvements and maintenance. For more information on the group, visit www.powaylmd.com or email them to sign up to receive periodic updates: PowayLMDAdvisory@gmail.com.
LMD Opinion Survey–residents in one of the two LMDs can take a survey at www.powaylmd.com through February 15th to share their thoughts on what should be done to address the landscaping issues within the LMDs. Survey results will be used to help complete the Landscape Master Plan and develop funding strategies.
Performing Arts Center returns to life
In 2021 we saw welcome signs of renewed life at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA). After more than a year’s absence, Poway OnStage returned with its first in a series of live professional performances in October, and the Poway Symphony Orchestra presented a concert in November.
In 2020 the city council established a task force to examine alternatives for the PCPA, including a potential sale of the facility to the Poway Unified School District, and other ways to operate and fund the facility.
However, last year the city council voted to retain ownership of the PCPA for the foreseeable future. Council also negotiated the elimination of subsidies to its tenant and booking agent, Poway OnStage, and is in the process of exploring the potential for an endowment and/or other sources of long-term funding to maintain the facility.
Moving forward, the outlook for the PCPA is still anything but certain. Discussions are ongoing with regard to how the facility can best serve the community at an acceptable ongoing cost to the city. The GVCA believes that the PCPA is a rare treasure in our community, serving to bring high-quality arts and entertainment to our region as well as providing a unique educational venue for the PUSD and community groups. We will continue to stay in touch with the city and other stakeholders to monitor developments with regard to this important city asset.
Water infrastructure project commences
In 2021, construction began on the first of three projects focused on increasing the reliability of Poway’s drinking water. Two storage tanks, each with the capacity to store 1.4 million gallons of treated water, will allow the city to replace the outdated water storage reservoir at the water treatment plant. The project is being conducted in collaboration with the San Diego County Water Authority and the State Division of Drinking Water.
While the capital project will undoubtedly result in increased water/sewage bills for Poway residents, the improvements are necessary to ensure the availability of clean water now and for future generations.
Looking ahead
Yes, 2021 was a difficult year. We have all suffered to some extent, physically, emotionally, even financially. Sadly, some of us have suffered great personal loss. I hope that you were able to find the strength and resilience to salvage some joy and happiness amid all of the madness, and to “sharpen your senses” to all that is positive around you.
For over 60 years, GVCA has made it our mission to be an “association of citizens who come together to protect and improve the quality of life in our community.” And that’s what we’ll continue to do. I remain optimistic about the future of our community.
Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2022!
John DeSantis
GVCA President