Yes on Measure P – The Farm in Poway

On November 3, voters will have the opportunity to choose a better future for Poway. With the approval of Measure P, the abandoned Stoneridge Country Club – a growing nuisance and fire hazard in our community – could be replaced with The Farm in Poway, a new residential community focused on conservation, recreation, and agriculture.

The Farm in Poway began when Kevin McNamara, a 23-year Poway resident, saw the deteriorating condition of the old Stoneridge property and thought he could create new opportunities for the community. The plan was introduced to the community in 2018 and was approved unanimously by the Poway City Council in June 2020. The final step is a vote by Poway residents in November.

“We wanted to create something that reflected what we all love about Poway,” said McNamara. “I think we’ve succeeded in balancing development with abundant open space in a plan that reflects Poway’s rural character.”

Diverse community groups have come together to support The Farm. It is endorsed by the Green Valley Civic Association, Poway Chamber of Commerce, Endangered Habitats League, Poway Democratic Club, San Diego County Republican Party, Lincoln Club of San Diego County, Poway Firefighters Association, Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, and North San Diego Business Chamber.

The Farm in Poway restricts development to a maximum of 160 homes on 117 acres. The homes planned for the community are similar in density to the surrounding neighborhood and will help sustain the quality of homes and lots that Poway is known for. But there is a lot more to The Farm in Poway than homes.

The Farm in Poway protects more than 60% of the property as permanently maintained and accessible open space. It includes 55 acres of conservation open space where none exists today, and 14 acres dedicated to recreational opportunities. In addition, one of The Farm’s partners, David Santistevan, donated 77 acres in South Poway to the City to enhance the trail system.

A unique feature of The Farm in Poway is its focus on agriculture. The conservation open space includes fields that will grow flowers and plants for floral arrangements, creating vistas with beautiful fields of flowers. Five community gardens will allow residents to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. A Butterfly Garden and Educational Center will feature butterflies in their native habitat and educational programs to promote conservation.

The Farm in Poway takes advantage of Poway’s beauty and unrivaled climate with features to encourage residents to enjoy the outdoors. With 3.5 miles of trails connecting the homes to all of the community’s amenities, walking and biking in the community is convenient and fun. Bike to The Club to go for a swim, play a game of tennis or pickleball, or get in your daily workout. In The Meadow, your kids can play at the tot lot, your dog can run at the off-leash dog park, and you can enjoy a picnic on the grass with your family. Cap off the day with an acoustic summer concert at the grass-hill amphitheatre or swing by The Social, a beer/wine garden and café that will offer casual outdoor dining.

The Farm will fully fund and construct several transportation improvements, including significant improvements to Espola Road. The overgrown brush and chain-link fencing along the Espola Road frontage will be replaced with wide sidewalks, tree-lined parkways, a meandering trail, and new landscaping. “Smart” traffic signals on Espola Road will improve traffic flow and reduce vehicle stops, improving travel time by about 15%. The software for these “smart” signals will be provided to the City of Poway so they can improve traffic flow in other areas.

The Farm in Poway will generate about $500,000 in NEW tax revenue annually for the City, while providing new public amenities, improving safety, decreasing fire hazards, and reinforcing Poway’s “city in the country” appeal. There is a reason so many diverse groups are coming together to try and get the word out to Vote Yes on Measure P in November. It’s the right choice for Poway’s future.

https://www.thefarminpoway.com/

This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local sponsor. The views expressed in this post are the author's own.

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