Residents who live near the San Diego course want to deny a developer the right to build houses on former golf course, and have submitted enough valid signatures to have the City Council decide on the matter.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that residents trying to preserve the defunct Escondido Country Club golf course as open space submitted enough valid signatures for their initiative to move forward. With the signatures validated, the newspaper stated, the San Diego City Council would now vote on whether to adopt the initiative, place it on the November 2014 ballot, or delay its decision to study the measure’s economic impact.
The initiative seeks to block developer Michael Schlesinger from building a nearly 300-home subdivision on the 110-acre course in north Escondido. Schlesinger bought the course last year and closed it April 1, saying it could no longer be run profitably and that he planned to build housing there.
Nearby residents complained that housing would destroy the area’s natural green space, the U-T said. Petitions were circulated in May asking for a ballot initiative, and more than 7,000 signatures were submitted in July.
In June, Schlesinger filed suit against the city and the residents, claiming the measure is illegal and would violate his property rights. Two weeks ago, a judge denied Schlesinger’s request for a temporary restraining order to block the initiative.
Jerry Swadley, leader of the residents group, told the U-T that he was pleased that the city registrar validated the signatures and that dozens of residents now planned to speak at an upcoming City Council meeting.
Erica Holloway, a spokeswoman for Schlesinger, said the initiative could cost the city more than $100 million if Schlesinger’s lawsuit is successful.
“It amounts to nothing more than a taxpayer-funded bailout for country club members and residents with homes on the fairway,” she said.
Mayor Sam Abed said he was unsure how the council would proceed and, according to the U-T, is disappointed Schlesinger hasn’t proposed a compromise acceptable to residents.
Tell Us What You Think!
You must be logged in to post a comment.