Poway proceeding with town center concept

Don’t expect construction anytime soon, but the city of Poway has taken the first steps toward a town center.

By the end of the year, work could begin on a plan that would turn a 51-acre chunk of land along Poway Road from a hodgepodge of shops and storefronts into an area with high-end restaurants, winding pedestrian-friendly streets and housing.

Roughly T-shaped, the boundaries of the envisioned town center stretch south along Poway Road — from the bowling alley to the area west of the shopping center at Community Road — and down into the Poway Community Park.

The city already owns about 38 acres, or 75 percent of the area.

Last year, the city held numerous workshops that let about 300 participants express their ideas and concerns about the creation of a town center.

The council’s discussion was the first opportunity Poway’s elected officials had to chime in.

Unanimously, the council directed staff to keep working on the project.

In some cases, council members said the city should take a cautious approach.

“I am really excited about this, and I think this town center will offer some wonderful opportunities for our community,” said Councilwoman Merrilee Boyack. “I also believe this will stimulate the economy on Poway Road.”

Councilman Bob Emery said he was willing to move the issue along, but added that the city should take a measured approach and not embark on the creation of a town center at the exclusion of other areas.

Other council members agreed, and said the city will have to make sure that development will be self-sustaining.

“This thing will not work if we don’t add some of the things that are in the column of concern,” said Councilman Don Higginson, referring to community input that raised concerns about including housing, businesses and other aspects that would create higher traffic and increase density.

Members of the South Poway Residents Association who spoke before the council said they would like to see a majority of the area devoted to parks and open space and that housing not be included in a town center proposal. Joe St. Lucas, the group’s chairman, said the development of a town center should be left up to the voters.

After the meeting, Mayor Mickey Cafagna said he would not support putting the issue before voters, saying, “We shouldn’t plan by referendum.”