After finding that all but one of the negative impacts of the project have been mitigated, the Escondido planning department has given their recommended approval to New Urban West’s proposal to build new residences at the former Escondido Country Club.

Dubbed “The Villages,” the community will spread 380 dwelling units across the 109-acre property in northwest Escondido. 188 of the units will either be detached or attached condos while the rest will be single-family houses. The number of residences was reduced from 392 in order to increase lot size and create more community greenspace. 50 acres of the land will be designated as permanent open space with greenbelts separating the new homes from previously built ones. The community will also include a community center, restaurant, and other amenities. 

Per the San Diego Union-Tribune, the only issue that the planning department felt was unavoidable was the long-term traffic impact at the I-15 southbound on-ramp at El Norte Parkway. In the proposal, an extra lane is added to the on-ramp, though that will still require approval from the state’s transportation department. 

Many locals, including the Escondido Country Club Homeowners Organization, were disappointed with the news as they had been hoping for a less-dense development on the site of the former golf course. 

It’s now on to the city’s Planning Commission, who will vote on whether or not to recommend approval on Tuesday. Ultimately, it is up to the City Council, who will meet on Nov. 15 with a final decision.