After over 10 years, on Tuesday, January 23, the Poway City Council decided on the new Community Center.

We are incredibly disappointed in the decision they made to vote for the City staff recommendation to support a plan that will initially build a community center that gives the Poway community less space to meet the recreation needs of the community than you already have. The initial space will be about 18,000 SF, with the HOPE, that IF funding becomes available in the future, they will expand the building by 4,400 SF, adding the second large room, a classroom and restrooms. The addition process, should it ever be built, will cause disruption at construction time..

There was a packed house at the Council meeting. Twenty one people submitted slips against the City staff recommendation to build an 18,000 SF building with the hope of MAYBE building an additional 4,400 SF in the future.

There were about 15 speakers as well and NOT ONE PERSON supported the City staff recommendation.

Everyone attending the meeting supported a SINGLE BUILD 22,220 building that would cost $1.4 million more than the smaller building because it makes sense. Common sense. And is a win - win.

Last year at least 14 individuals were willing to spend $1.4 million or more to purchase a home in Poway's wonderful community. The Council was unwilling to spend that same amount to build a 50 year positive legacy to this community.

Why is this a lose / lose? With only one large room in the initial building, the City and the Senior Center will lose significant and very necessary revenue. The taxpayers of Poway lose in the long run, and the seniors in our community lose as well.

Poway residents deserve, after 10 years of planning and debate, at least as much recreational and rental space as you already have. This is why we support the 22,220 SF design.

Please read the memo above that we sent to the City Council to explain how the community deserves the 22,220 SF building option. 

You can also watch the meeting from January 23rd by going to www.poway.org and find the meeting under City Council.

Thank all of you for being part of a true jewel in Poway's crown.

Leslie, Mary, Kathleen, Marjaana, Jim, JoAnne and Levi