Maderas hotel measure to appear on November ballot
Poway voters in November will decide whether the Maderas Golf Club can proceed with plans to add a hotel to the Old Coach Road property.
The City Council agreed unanimously on Tuesday night proceed with a vote that, if successful, would amend the Old Coach Golf Estates Specific Plan that covers the golf course and two luxury residential developments. The election is required under Proposition FF, approved by voters in 1988, as the use would increase density in the area. A second unanimous council vote approved the amendment and an addendum to the original project’s environmental impact report.
A simple majority of votes will pass the measure. If that happens Sunroad Enterprises, owners of the golf course, would then proceed with proposing a hotel of up to 240 rooms. The plans would be subjected to a thorough City Council review, including public hearings and an environmental report.
Sunroad President Uri Feldman told the council the company needed for voters to approve using the land for a hotel before committing to costs related to its design and development. He said the “boutique” hotel would likely generate $1.5 million in transient occupancy taxes per year and would increase neighboring property values. He offered to reimburse the city the estimated $25,000 it will cost to cover adding the measure to the ballot. Several nearby residents, joined by Green Valley Civic Association Vice President Anita Edmondson, objected to the notion of voters being asked to allow a hotel in the area without knowing project specifics.
Councilman Dave Grosch expressed his displeasure that, in order to qualify for the ballot, the council needed to make the decision Tuesday night, calling the situation “at the very least, irritating.”
Councilmembers agreed that they would take a neutral position on the measure and would not sign arguments for or against it. City Attorney Morgan Foley will prepare a printed legal summary of the measure and citizens or groups will able to submit arguments for and against it.
