Michael Schlesinger, who unsuccessfully tried to build homes on one golf course near San Diego, appears to have learned his lesson. The developer is working with club members and neighbors to get approval to build homes on a second course he owns.
In 2012, Schlesinger acquired Escondido Country Club and closed it with plans to build homes. But he was rebuffed after a bitter dispute with residents that included dueling ballot measures and lawsuits.
For his other course, StoneRidge Country Club, he is working with members and neighbors to launch a citizens initiative that would allow him to build 180 luxury condominiums on the club’s property, while keeping a reconfigured 18-hole golf course.
The condos would be build on 15 acres of the 117-acre private golf course. The plan would scrap the club’s tennis courts and a swimming pool to make room for the condos, as well as move the clubhouse.
The city of Poway requires an election to change zoning because the plan would increase density. Schlesinger will pay for the costs of the election.
If approved, Cal Atlantic would build the condos.
StoneRidge Country Club has 232 golf members, 91 tennis members and 51 social members.