The Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) Advisory Group continues to work with the City of Poway to secure funding that will allow us to improve our neighborhood’s common-area landscaping and maintenance. The May 2 report to the Poway City Council will present progress to date. For a preview, keep reading...
Sharp Healthcare proposes 6 bedroom hospice home at Valle Verde Road
A number of our members have had questions and concerns about the proposed hospice residence at the Southwest corner of Espola Road and Valle Verde. The following are comments from District 2 Councilmember Barry Leonard which will appear in the upcoming edition of Poway Living magazine. We hope that this information will be helpful to everyone in understanding the facts surrounding this facility.
By Barry Leonard, Poway City Councilmember
Recently, residents have been inquiring about a hospice residence proposed at the corner of Valle Verde Road and Espola Road. Some feel this is an acceptable addition to the area and others disagree. We can all agree that everyone should receive the facts surrounding the location and the proposed use.
Sharp Healthcare purchased the property in March 2021. Sharp proposed to replace the existing home with a new building that met all current building codes for a single-family residence, including a single floor, six bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room and a two-car garage. Each bedroom would be a suite with a sitting area and outside access to a garden in the backyard. The proposed use of the home would be for hospice care to assist local families.
The City of Poway views this project as a single-family residential home in a residential zone. It is subject to all city building codes for new construction. The property owner can apply to the State of California for a license to operate the facility as a hospice home. The state would require compliance with all current codes for this specific use. The city does not have jurisdiction over the use, only the structure.
At this time, this project has only been issued a permit for demolition. Future permits for grading and building would be issued separately and are dependent upon the council’s decision at a future meeting.
The decision by the Poway Development Services department to grant a permit to build has been appealed by residents who feel the use is not appropriate for this location. An appeal hearing will be held at a future city council meeting. I fully expect that a discussion will take place between the city attorney and the appellants who also are lawyers. This should be educational for city council members and Poway residents.
Below are the city’s answers to commonly asked questions about the property and proposed use.
Is this a commercial entity being built in a residential zone?
By state law, it is not. State law dictates that certain care facilities licensed by the State of California for six or fewer residents must be considered a single-family use. These are allowed in any single-family zone. The proposed facility falls into this category and, therefore, must be allowed in this residential zone.
Why weren’t neighbors notified?
The Poway municipal code (PMC) specifically notes that as a single-family use, the process for review is a minor development review application (MDRA), which is considered and approved by Poway’s Development Services staff. This is an administrative process and does not require a public hearing before the city council. Even though noticing is not required for an MDRA, as a courtesy, the city sends a notice to adjacent property owners, allowing for a 10-day review period.
Is there a process for community members to provide feedback?
The administrative approval of the proposed building was formally appealed, and the hearing is scheduled for a future city council meeting. Per the PMC, the council’s decision is final. The meeting is open to the public and residents are invited to attend in person or online and speak if they so choose. The agenda report on the item will be posted one week in advance. For the agenda and information on how to participate, visit poway.org/councilmeetings.
How can this be the same as building a home?
State law requires the city to impose the same requirements and development standards on the proposed hospice residence that would be imposed on any single-family home in the zone in which it is located, and nothing more. This project has six bedrooms, a kitchen, and a two-car garage. The building has roofing and siding materials and designs that would be found on single-family homes.
Is this unusual for Poway?
The State of California licenses community care facilities. This information is available to the public at www.ccld.dss.ca.gov/carefacilitysearch/. We realize that assisted living facilities are not the same as hospice homes, but both operate as a type of residential care facility or congregate living facility. A search of assisted living facilities in Poway shows 34 licensed or pending licensed facilities. Of those, 25 have six residents or less and, therefore, would be considered single-family use by the state. Many of those are tucked into neighborhoods throughout Poway.
Does the City Council have jurisdiction over the use of this residence?
It is important to understand that the MDRA and the appeal hearing will address approving the structure and whether the application meets the requirements of a single-family home per the PMC. A state license is required to operate as a hospice facility in California. That step is separate and is coordinated through the California Department of Public Health. The city is not part of that process.
State law, which essentially preempts any local control of facilities with six beds or fewer, demands the proposed use not be a reason to deny the project. The city has very limited authority when California state law permits such use.
Until the matter is settled
Property ownership and land use are not always straightforward. In the case of the building permit, your city council will rely on expert legal opinions that should result in a respectful discussion and ruling. The State of California will determine if the use of the facility is permitted. Until this matter is settled, the lot will remain empty.
For more info on the hospice, please visit Sharp Mountain View Hospice.
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.
Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs): The city-wide issue that won’t go away
What is an LMD?
Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs) were created many years ago by developers as a way for property owners to pay for enhanced landscaping and improvements beyond those generally provided by the city. Each district is responsible for maintaining all irrigation and sprinkler systems, turf, trees, shrubs, and bushes in medians and public rights-of way. Monies collected from LMD assessments are set aside for the exclusive benefit of each district and can only be used for maintenance and improvement of that specific district. Many homeowners in north Poway are assessed on their property taxes under LMD 86-1. (To determine if your property is part of an LMD, check your property tax statement.)
What’s the problem?
No adjustments to these LMD assessments have been made since 1994. Since then, the cost of water, landscaping, tree removal, etc. has steadily and significantly risen. The City says the districts are facing critical budget shortfalls to adequately maintain these areas.
What happened since the vote failed?
In May 2018, homeowners in two LMDs (83-1 along Twin Peaks Rd. and 86-1 along Espola Rd.), received ballots to approve re-engineered district maps and increased/ new assessments. The proposals were overwhelmingly defeated in both districts. Then-city manager Tina White appointed an ad hoc LMD Advisory Committee comprised of 13 Poway residents from various areas of the community to review LMD 83-1 and 86-1 and provide recommendations. The committee has met more than a dozen times since October 2018. The committee’s recommendations were presented to City Council in March 2019. No decisions were made or actions taken at the time. NOTE: In the current fiscal year (2018-19), the City allocated $100,000 to the two LMDs for emergency tree removal and $165,530 in supplemental water from the general fund over and above its annual general benefit funding to fill the gap left by the LMDs’ insufficient funding.
What does the advisory committee recommend?
In order to return the LMDs to a state that is viable, manageable, and sustainable in the long term, the committee ultimately recommends the need for a successful re-ballot. However, its most pressing recommendation is for the preparation of a Landscape Master Plan (LMP). This coordinated, overarching strategy would:
designate a plan for managing the existing trees to reduce long-term maintenance;
provide concepts for low-maintenance, drought tolerant ground landscaping, including at the entrances, that can be implemented per an eventual funding plan;
create the basis for developing preliminary construction/implementation cost estimates that would inform future decision-making;
outline an overall strategy for reducing maintenance expenses;
initiate broader community support through public input meetings during preparation of the plan.
How would a Landscape Master Plan be funded?
The City is currently in the budget review process and early indications paint a discouraging picture.However, the committee has cited a number of possible funding options for an LMP (roughly estimated to cost $100,000-150,000), including the “surplus” City- provided LMD funding that the Council rolled over into next fiscal year at the May 7 council meeting, current LMD revenues, and possible loans to the LMDs.
Next steps: JULY 16th meeting
The committee is resolute that without a Landscape Master Plan in place, the City will be unable to move forward to resolve the under-funded and inadequate maintenance of LMD 83-1 and 86-1. The City will hold a public LMD Council Workshop on Tuesday, July 16th, 7:00 pm, at City Council Chambers at 13325 Civic Center Drive in Poway to discuss next steps. GVCA encourages all homeowners in north Poway, regardless of whether you are in a current LMD, to attend the workshop, get more information, and provide input.
Cultivating growth at the Abraxas Garden
GVCA is proud to support a unique and worthy program at Abraxas High School: the Abraxas Garden located on the school’s former tennis courts on Pomerado Road.
Developed as a way to incorporate core curriculum in a student-led, hands-on learning environment, the Abraxas Garden won 2 National Gardening Awards in 2018: One for Community Beautification and the other was the Kellogg Civic Achievement Award. The Garden alsowon 1st Place in California for the Community Impact Award.
Since the Gardens began, over 5,000 lbs. of fresh produce grown at the garden has been donated to families in need in the community. They also have started a Farmers Market to raise money to keep the Garden running. The Farmers Market is open the first Wednesday of every month at Elements Café at the Poway Unified District Office. The market is supported by donations in which visitors ‘pay what you can’ and all proceeds go directly back into the garden for seeds, fish food, and other needs that arise.
Under the leadership of Bob Lutticken, Biology, Aquaponics & Agriculture teacher at Abraxas, students just completed a solar powered vertical herb garden (pictured here) which was made possible through a grant from the GVCA.
The Abraxas Garden is run through classroom curriculum, and over 100 students work in the garden throughout the school year including our Transition Program which includes students with special needs.
According to Lutticken, “This vertical garden runs 24/7/365 off the grid, and re-uses the same water over and over. The Vertical Garden was built with wheels so we can display it on other school campuses in the district, allowing us to teach other students about water conservation and the flexibility of solar power. Students will be building a twin model of this unit this quarter to expose a different group of students to this type of farming technology.“
Important public meeting about "The Farms at StoneRidge"
Learn more about the proposed development of the former StoneRidge Country Club. Local real estate investor, Kevin McNamara, is hosting a public meeting for the community to learn more about the project his company is proposing.
The GVCA has not taken a position on this proposed development and is providing this information to keep you informed.
Information on the Proposed LMD
Voters rejected the proposed LMD 18-2. The vote was 56% "No" to 44% "Yes", with 57.44 percent of the 664 ballots returned. As a result, the proposed LMD assessments will not be billed to property owners and the existing assessments will continue.
Driving along Espola Road through north Poway is a beautiful sight with an abundance of trees, walking trails, and open space. It sets Poway apart from other North County communities. That beauty is at risk because the funds to maintain and rehabilitate the landscaping are limited; residents already have begun to notice a deterioration. To address this issue, the City of Poway is asking residents in north Poway to approve additional fees charged on your property tax bill via ballot to maintain this area known as a Landscape Maintenance District (LMD).
If you live in the impacted area, you should have already received your ballot to vote on creating this new LMD and the increase in assessments.
THE PROPOSED CHANGES
No adjustments to these LMD assessments have been made since 1998 due to the passage of Prop 218 which restricted the city from increasing assessments without a vote. Since then, the cost of water, landscaping, tree removal, living wages, etc. has steadily risen. The city says there are no longer sufficient funds being collected to adequately maintain this area.
The city proposes replacing the existing LMD 86-1 (encompasses more than one million square feet of landscaping and over 1,600 trees benefiting 954 assessed property parcels) with a new LMD known as 18-2, benefiting 1,137 assessed property parcels and increasing the assessments on most parcels located within the new LMD.
PROPOSED LMD 18-2 MAP
EXISTING AND ADDED PROPERTIES TO THE PROPOSED LMD 18-2
THE METHODOLOGY TO DETERMINE THE NEW MAP
State law requires that when an LMD is modified, the city must review the proximity and benefit that surrounding properties may derive, and determine whether they should be included in the new LMD zone. The makeup of our city has changed over the years as neighborhoods have grown and shifted, and some properties were not included in the original LMD 86-1. Based on the assessment engineer’s report, staff has determined that additional properties should be included on the proposed LMD 18-2 map, and at different assessment levels, based on their direct benefit.
The GVCA addressed City Council at the March 6 meeting raising concerns about the zones and assessments not appearing equitable and rational resulting in a smattering of property owners bearing the full cost of funding maintenance and new landscape improvements that would seem to benefit all of north Poway.
CURRENT AND PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS
HOW MUCH ADDITIONAL REVENUE WILL BE RAISED WITH THE NEW LMD?
* Figures based on the Willdan Financial Services reports dated March 6, 2018 and May 16, 2017.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IF THE NEW LMD 18-2 IS APPROVED
Landscape maintenance services help to maintain an aesthetically pleasing community, and also keep our thoroughfares safe and clean. The city says property owners should expect to see a generally higher level of service which would include more frequent tree trimming, leaf and litter removal, and general maintenance. However, there will probably be no dramatic, immediate impact.
The city has said it would begin to set aside a portion of funds for major landscaping rehabilitation that would be phased in after 4-5 years at which time the city proposes that they would engage a landscape architect to create a concept plan and incorporate the community’s input into the final plan to improve the appearance and health of the district.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PROPOSED LMD IS NOT APPROVED
If voters do not approve the new LMD, the existing LMD and rates of assessment will remain in place, and no additional property owners will be added to the district. City representatives have stated that they will do their best to continue landscaping and maintenance with the funds available, but warn that existing funding is not adequate to keep up with our current needs, and the situation will likely get worse as costs continue to increase.
REQUIRED VS. NECESSARY
Most landscaping is not absolutely necessary in these areas, but provides an aesthetic benefit to the community. Well maintained landscaping can add to a community’s appeal and have a positive influence on home values. Services such as tree trimming and removal, however, are required for public safety.
YOUR VOTE
Only the parcels located within the LMD which are proposed to be assessed are eligible to vote. The determination will be made by a majority of the voting parcels. Votes are weighted based on the dollar amount of each parcel’s assessment. The City Clerk will collect the ballots and present the tabulation at the May 1, 2018 City Council meeting. If a majority of the weighted ballots support the new 18-2 LMD new assessments will be imposed for the property tax bills effective fiscal year 2018-2019. If the ballot does not pass, the current LMD and assessement will remain unchanged.
UNDERSTANDING LMDS
LMDs were created many years ago by developers as a way for property owners to pay for enhanced landscaping and improvements beyond those generally provided by the city. The district is responsible for maintaining all irrigation and sprinkler systems, turf, trees, shrubs, and bushes in medians and public rights-of way. Monies collected from LMD assessments are set aside for the exclusive benefit of each district and can only be used for maintenance and improvement of that specific district.
2018 Candidates Pre-Forum Q&A
We asked the candidates some “Pre-Forum” questions prior to the upcoming forum. Please click the ORANGE buttons below to read the Pre-Forum Q&A.
Attend the Forum for additional live and audience questions
Wednesday, October 3rd at Painted Rock Elementary School
6:30 PUSD Board-District B
7:30 Poway Mayor / Poway City Council At Large
8:30 Poway City Council-Districts 1 & 3
City Council Districts
Junk at Valle Verde house: a Public Nuisance
Neighbors tired of seeing junk accumulated in the front yard of a home on Valle Verde Road across from the Valle Verde Park for many years may finally see it cleaned up. City Council will consider at Tuesday night's council meeting a motion to declare it a "public nuisance" and order the property owner to clean up the mess. If not cleaned up, the City will do it and place a lien on the owner's property. (Read an excerpt of agenda item 3.5 here)
The GVCA supports the City's initiative to get this property cleaned up. Show your support by letting City Council know by speaking at Tuesday's 7pm council meeting or by emailing council members regarding agenda item 3.5.
Planned removal of Trees at StoneRidge
The owner of StoneRidge has contracted with a tree company to dig up, remove and sell trees located on the former golf course. The GVCA has discussed the situation with City representatives and have been told that the owner is permitted to remove trees without a permit as long as they are not listed as a City of Poway "Heritage Tree" or native trees such as Canyon Live Oak, Coast Live Oak, Englemann Oak, and California Sycamore. The City is monitoring the situation and if any trees require a permit the City's approval will be required. We also have been told by council members that there is no movement at this time to revise the municipal code on trees in direct response to current activity at this specific property.
FROM THE CITY MANAGER
The City has received several inquiries regarding the planned removal of trees at Stoneridge Country Club, as well as requests for the City to take action to address the removal. The Poway Municipal Code Chapter 12.32 addresses tree removal on private property. Since Stoneridge Country Club is private property, the owner is permitted to remove trees without a permit so long as they are not native trees or heritage trees. Essentially, native trees are oaks and sycamores. To the City’s knowledge, the trees in question are eucalyptus and pine. City staff has made the property owner and the nursery aware of the restrictions around native trees.
If the trees were located in a public right-of-way, then a tree removal permit would be required. Again, it is the City’s understanding that the trees in question are not in the public right-of-way.
The property is zoned OS-R (not commercial) and the property is vacant, without an active operation of any kind. Therefore, a tree removal permit is not required under section 12.32.150.
Following the November 2017 election, the property owner terminated water service to the property. Therefore, the trees are not being watered and the City cannot compel the property owner to irrigate the property.
Changes to the City’s Landscape Maintenance Districts and how they could impact YOU
Driving along Espola Road over the last few years, have you grown dismayed at the deterioration of the landscaping along the road, as well as other key roads (known as Landscape Maintenance Districts) in the community? The City is proposing to increase taxes with the promise of updated landscaping in these areas.
Per our request, the City has provided the following update on its plan for improving services in these areas (we have bolded some text for emphasis):
A Landscape Maintenance District, or LMD, is an area identified to provide benefitting property owners the option to pay for enhanced landscaping and other improvements, and services beyond those generally provided by the City. There are ten LMDs in Poway. The LMDs were formed in the 1980s when many of Poway’s neighborhoods were first being developed. They cover the cost of contract labor for tree trimming, gardening, litter control, weed abatement and other upkeep and general maintenance (above baseline services provided by the City), as well as costs for water and electricity. LMDs are funded through an assessment on annual property tax bills. The assessment rates, which can vary by zones and LMDs, have remained unchanged for decades. Unfortunately, the funds being collected through the assessment are no longer sufficient to adequately maintain some of the City’s LMDs.
The City is addressing two LMDs this year: 83-1 and 86-1.
LMD 83-1 encompasses the Arbolitos, Twin Peak/Kindercare, Kent eld Estates, Diroma Estates, Kent Hill, Country Creek, Rio Court, Park Village, Midland Estates, and Poway 16 neighborhoods/ subdivisions.
LMD 86-1 includes Bridlewood, Old Coach, Piedmont Park, Stone Canyon Ranch, The Grove and Vision, Huntington Gate, Serenata and Green Valley Estates.
The City has taken short-term measures to reduce landscape services and watering schedules to minimize costs in each LMD. Over time, natural deterioration has affected irrigation systems, trees, plants and other landscape features. As the City plans for the long-term, it will invite property owners within each LMD to meetings to discuss how the funding shortfall and maintenance needs can be addressed. The LMD funding shortfalls leave the City and affected property owners with two options. The first option is to further reduce the maintenance services provided so that expenses are in line with revenues. While this is possible, the City is concerned about the poor appearance that will result from further reducing maintenance services. The second option is for property owners to approve a new re-engineered LMD (referred to as 18-1 and 18-2 respectively) with revised assessments, including an annual index (CPI) to ensure that future assessments keep pace with inflationary cost adjustments.
The City held informational meetings with LMD 83-1 owners in November. Staff will invite LMD 86-1 property owners to participate in informational meetings in January. These informational meetings precede a ballot that will be mailed in March 2018 with options for the future upkeep of landscaping along main roads, neighborhood entryways and common areas within each LMD. Ballots will include an option to vote to increase the assessment rate, which will include an annual CPI index, to restore and improve service levels and reinvest in landscaping and maintenance. The outcome will be determined by the majority of the ballots received.
For more information, including an interactive map with proposed assessments for LMD 83-1 and 86-1 (newly reengineered as LMD 18-1 and 18-2 respectively), visit the City’s website at http://poway.org/930/LMD-86-1-2018-Ballot-Measures
A Future Together Without StoneRidge
President's Message Winter 2018
With the “No” vote outcome of the Measure A/StoneRidge special election last November, and the club’s permanent closing, many important questions remain and new ones arise. As we have done since 1960 with many issues facing north Poway, the GVCA will continue to serve as a watchdog, provide factual information, and be an advocate for our members and the community.
Moving forward, here is what we know about the property based on input from the City and property owner:
The club is permanently closed and irrigation has ceased; the owner has no intention of reopening the facilities.
The perimeter of the property has been fenced off.
Maintenance of the property’s landscaping will include only required fire management maintenance per city code.
The property is not for sale; the owner will consider any plan put forth by the community that is supported by the entire community.
We would like to thank our members and north Poway residents who contacted us before and during the Measure A campaign. Your input is important to our board as we consider critical issues such as this.
As time continues to pass, we encourage residents to move beyond the divisiveness that arose from Measure A so that someday this 117-acre property can once again be a centerpiece of our community.
Steven Stone
President, GVCA
Big Decisions Impacting North Poway
President's Message Winter 2017
POSSIBLE REDEVELOPMENT AT STONERIDGE COUNTRY CLUB
Redevelopment plans are under serious consideration for StoneRidge Country Club and golf course. Over the last six months, Poway Open Space, Inc., a non-profit group formed by club members to preserve the golf course at StoneRidge, has been meeting with representatives of property owner, Michael Schlesinger, to reach an accord on potential redevelopment plans. On November 2, the Board of Poway Open Space met with a representative of Roni Hicks, Schlesinger’s consulting firm, and developer Cal Atlantic, to review the owner’s proposal that resulted from the planning group’s efforts. The Poway Open Space Board unanimously voted to endorse and actively support the StoneRidge Redevelopment plan and affirming Prop FF vote that:
Limits residential development to less than 15 acres (12%)
Delivers no less than an 18-hole par 70 course
Designs and constructs a brand new clubhouse for members and the community
Provides that the residential development be limited to 12 units per acre
Caps residential unit count (no more than 180 units)
Restricts residential development to an age qualified 55+ community (no impact on schools and reduced traffic impact)
Models development after Auberge in Del Sur by CalAtlantic
Limits height to no more than two stories
Records a Conservation Easement on the 105-acre golf course to insure it is permanent open space
Provides StoneRidge Golf Course is maintained in a first class standard throughout the City of Poway’s entitlement process
Allows for complete community input and involvement in the entire process
NEXT STEPS
CalAtlantic is in the process of creating a land use map and plan for community review and input at an open house to take place sometime in the next few weeks. If the owner and developer decide to move forward this year, in accordance with the provisions of Prop FF, they will be required to gather signatures to place a measure on a special ballot to gain voter approval for a land use change that allows for housing.
GVCA’S POSITION
Over the last 18 months, GVCA board members have met with the property owner, Roni Hicks representatives, the Poway Open Space group, as well as City Council members to gather information and provide preliminary input on potential redevelopment of this property. While we are encouraged by the level of cooperation between the property owner and lead stakeholder Poway Open Space, the GVCA will take a formal position when a land use map and plan have been made available.
Measure W: Don’t be Fooled – VOTE NO ON W
Whenever something is labeled a “no brainer” it should set alarm bells off in your head. The prospect of a 240-room hotel complex at Maderas Golf Club off of Espola Road is ringing like a 5-alarm fire drill. But the developer of this proposed project, Sunroad Enterprises, is tone deaf. They failed to garner input from the community before slipping the ballot measure request onto City Council’s agenda just under the deadline for it to appear on the November ballot.
No vetting by the community or council. No plan presented. (Drawings were later rendered in haste to tempt residents with eye candy.) Very few residents even knew the proposal was being brought before council.
The desperate flood of Yes on W postcards residents have received leading up to the election are disingenuous and transparently misleading. Emblazoned with buzzwords like “guarantee“…”good neighbor” …“quality of life” …”funding for parks, libraries and paramedics” … these campaign promises are empty and patronizing to Poway residents.
Magical thinking
Some may like the idea of new tax revenue brought into the City on someone else’s shoulders (via a Transient Occupancy Tax paid by hotel guests). But where is this magical $1.5 million the developer keeps touting coming from? What is the formula? Is it based on near-complete occupancy of a 240-room resort? It should be noted that the sprawling Rancho Bernardo Inn is 287 rooms. Neither Sunroad nor the community has any say in how tax revenue, which would go into the general fund, would be spent.
No guarantees
If Measure W passes, the die is cast. The land would be approved for a hotel development up to 240-rooms for the current and future owner of the property. Critical decisions on location, square footage, height and more would be in the hands of city staff with approval by three members of a future city council.
Skirting an updated Environmental Impact Report?
Council approved putting Measure W on the ballot based on a 26-year-old Environmental Impact Report. Key factors such as density, traffic, water, and fire safety have changed significantly since the 1980 report. The developer will do whatever it can to limit the extent of any new EIR that would be required by the city.
Questionable history
Sunroad is a developer with storied and questionable business practices, including having to remove the top two floors of an overbuilt office building near Montgomery Field and a pay-to-play scheme with the City of San Diego.
GVCA has your best interests
The GVCA has been a watchdog for the quality of life in Poway since 1960. We keep an eye on issues such as water rates, inappropriate variances, fiscal responsibility, as well as support of local youth activities and events.
Vote NO on W
We know Poway residents are smarter than the developer gives us credit for. Demand honesty, more information and transparency at the ballot by voting NO on W.
Be sure to read our arguments against Measure W in your voter guide.
Vote No: Measure W Maderas Hotel
When the idea of allowing a 240-room hotel development at Maderas Golf Club (Measure “W” on the November ballot) first surfaced in the public arena this summer, it elicited a variety of reactions from residents: curiosity, excitement, skepticism, opposition. Before taking a position on this potential land use change and major development, the GVCA board did its homework.
Upon learning that a land use request and ballot measure would go before a vote of City Council on July 19th, the GVCA had a mere two weeks to research the facts. In that time, we:
- Obtained public records from the City Clerk’s office related to the land use request, including the Original Specific Plan, the Amended Specific Plan, and a recent traffic study
- Conducted an email poll to gauge support or opposition of the proposal
- Met with a representative from Sunroad Enterprises, the property owner and developer
- Contacted City Council members
PROCEED WITH CAUTION
What we learned (and didn’t learn) left us with more questions than answers. Because the GVCA had serious concerns about the size of the development (akin to the 287-room Rancho Bernardo Inn), the potential impact (traffic, fire safety, water usage, noise, visual), and the hasty process by which the measure was brought to Council, with little to no information or input from the community, we cautioned Council against approving the applicant’s request.
WHERE WAS THE VETTING?
With the exception of Councilman Dave Grosch, City Council approved the proposal without questioning the 26-year-old Environmental Impact Report, the appropriateness of a 240-room resort, the validity of a promised $1.5 mil in hotel tax revenue, or preliminary support from the community,
A development of this magnitude and potential impact, demands proper vetting by the City Staff and City Council on behalf of the residents of Poway before reaching the ballot, not a rubber stamp of a vague and open-ended ballot measure which simply states:
Do you approve Specific Plan Amendment 16- 002 as adopted by the Poway City Council to amend the Old Coach Golf Estates Specific Plan, to allow development of a hotel with up to 240 rooms on the existing Maderas Golf Course site located at 17750 Old Coach Road?
Voters need a clearer understanding of what it is they are voting on and the impact their decision could have. It should be noted that a hotel was not approved in the Original Specific Plan due to community concerns.
KEY DECISIONS OUT OF VOTERS HANDS
Without additional parameters on the land use (i.e. height limit, square footage, etc.) spelled out on the ballot, these key decisions will be left up to approval by a future City Council if the measure passes. The promise of community workshops cannot ease serious concerns about the recent disconnect in communication between Staff, Council and the community on major projects and developments.
LETS GET IT RIGHT
The GVCA is fully supportive of a thriving economic environment in Poway. We are active members of the Poway Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors, and proud supporters of Poway OnStage performances at the Poway Performing Arts Center. In order for a major hotel development in Poway to be a win-win for everyone involved, we need to get it right BEFORE it reaches the ballot. Measures such as this require more information, honesty and transparency. Voters should demand it by voting NO on W.
Informational Meeting about StoneRidge Country Club
INFORMATION MEETING
June 5th at 4:00 pm
StoneRidge Country Club
As you may have heard recently, the owner of StoneRidge Country Club has determined that retaining a membership-based course and its clubhouse amenities are no longer viable operations as currently structured. To explore its options for the site, the property owner has hired local consultants to conduct one-on-one ascertainment research among Poway residents living directly adjacent to the StoneRidge golf course, as well as representatives of adjacent homeowners associations, the GVCA, and those who have purchased golf club, tennis club or social memberships.
In light of this activity, members of the StoneRidge Men’s Golf Club have organized a committee to explore ways to keep the property as a golf course/club. You are invited to attend an informational meeting led by this group to learn more about their efforts. The meeting will be held on Sunday, June 5th, 4:00 p.m., at StoneRidge Country Club.
For more information, email: SaveStoneRidge@outlook.com
Looking for PUSD School Board Candidates
Two seats of the five seats on the Poway Unifed School District Board of Education are up for general election in November. One seat is currently held by incumbent Kimberly Beatty and the second is held by long-time board member Andy Patapow who is not seeking re-election.
As an award-winning school district, PUSD needs strong, stable leadership on its board of directors to help sustain its excellence in education which also protects home values in the area. Currently, there are no members on the board who live in the City of Poway.
If you are interested in running for one of the open seats, a group called The Coalition for Effective School Board Leadership is seeking candidates to endorse. The group consists of 20 parents, teachers, local business owners, and community leaders, including former Poway High School Principal, Scott Fisher.
For more information, visit:
www.coalition4effectiveschoolboard.com
The candidate filing deadline for this election is August 12, 2016.
What's Happening at StoneRidge?
As you may have recently read in the San Diego Union Tribune and Pomerado News, the owner of StoneRidge Country Club has been exploring alternative uses for the property and hired a PR company to survey the community. Over the last several months, the GVCA has meet with City of Poway officials, the owner of StoneRidge and their consultants to stay abreast of the issue.
Shown below is the City of Poway's FAQ sheet on what is allowed there now and what it takes to change the zoning. Per the City of Poway "voter approval is required for any General Plan amendment, zone change, subdivision map, or other discretionary land use decision affecting any area zoned Rural Residential or Open Space, which would increase the residential density or change the zoning designation to allow commercial or manufacturing uses."
The GVCA will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed. Please like us on Facebook to receive our informative news feed.
Thank you,
Steven Stone
President
Supporting our local community
As part of the GVCA’s ongoing efforts to support local youth, activities and community partners, this year we:
- Contributed $1,000 to Poway High Grad Nite
- Donated $500 to the Kumeyaay Interpretive Center in memory of former Poway City Councilman
- Exclusive show sponsor of two performances presented by Poway OnStage at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts