2 weeks Ago By By Rebecca Wasik, Enterprise staff writer
If you have noticed some construction at the PG&E Service Center at 316 L Street recently, you are witnessing a new fencing project in action. In March 2022, the City of Davis received an application to rezone the PG&E Service Center to a Planned Development Zone to allow for proposed 10-foot high fencing. The fencing design intent is to increase security and define the perimeter with a uniform appearance protecting personnel, assets and property by preventing unauthorized people from entering the active service center site.
According to the project’s description, the site has experienced numerous break-ins. The former seven foot tall chain link fence with worn out wood planks allowed these trespassers to enter the site by cutting through the chain link. Stolen items often include copper, tools and personnel equipment.
The project includes the demolition of approximately 3,250 feet of the existing chain link fencing and the installation of approximately 4,550 feet of new ornamental fencing at all sides of the site. A total of 10 new gates will be installed along the perimeter site; four for vehicular access and six for pedestrians. This new fencing has become the PG&E Corporate Security standard.
The ornamental fence will be made of heavy gauge galvanized steel that provides narrow openings and reinforced roll form grooves at the top. PG&E says that it has found that this fencing system typically deters trespassers, as the shape at this height usually resists climbing and cutting with tools. According to PG&E Marketing & Communications Principal Paul Moreno, landscaping will also be a part of this project.
Drought-tolerant and native plants, all irrigated with a low-water-use system will be added to the interior side of the fence. “On L Street, improvements include the addition of bioretention and drought-tolerant plants at the PG&E main entrance,” said Moreno. “ Existing planter boxes that are aging will be replaced and new trees will be planted where missing.
Additionally, some sections of asphalt paving between planters will be replaced with more drought tolerant and native plants.” Currently the sidewalk along the site is closed to pedestrians while construction is underway. Moreno says PG&E anticipates that the sidewalk will be back open by mid-summer.
While the project as a whole is being completed in phases, it is expected that the entire fence around the property will be finished by 2026..
