ESCONDIDO, Calif. (KGTV) - An embattled property in Escondido is entering a new chapter. Demolition of the Escondido Country Clubhouse began Thursday.
It’s expected to take several days to clear the structure that caught fire last year that was site for criminal activity according to those who live near it.
“I’m very excited it’s coming down,” said Kelly Richardson, who lives nearby.
New Urban West plans on building 380 homes on the 109-acre property.
“I feel like property values will go back up to where they were,” added Richardson, “I just like the idea of something here that's going to bring something together instead of separate them which is what I feel like has been happening for the last five years.”
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- Escondido residents fighting country club revamp
Neighbors filed a lawsuit last year following Escondido City Council’s approval of plans build residential villas and a new clubhouse on the property.
New Urban West is moving forward with the development despite not technically owning the property yet.
A project manager says they have reached an agreement with the owner and will take over the land once the legal matters have been mitigated.
In 2014, the current owner laid down 5-tons of raw chicken manure to keep the grass green — making the entire neighborhood smell.
