By Zach Friend, County Supervisor 2nd District
Over fifteen years ago the Board of Supervisors approved the Seacliff Village Plan that included an improved streetscape and utility undergrounding in the main “village” area of Seacliff. The Board of Supervisors followed by adopting a resolution more than ten years ago declaring the creation of the Seacliff Rule 20A Underground Utility District. This was a key first step toward placing utilities underground in the area around State Park Drive, Center Avenue, Broadway and Santa Cruz Avenues.
Since that time, the County Department of Public Works has been working with PG&E, AT&T and other involved utility companies on the design and implementation of the underground project that coordinates with the design and construction of the County’s Seacliff Village Streetscape Project. After delays as a result of the economic downturn and challenges from the utility companies, initial work is finally expected to begin soon. AT&T is the lead utility company for the trench design and construction bid documents of the underground project and County Public Works is the agency for the design and construction of the Streetscape project.
What will be placed underground?
All overhead wires within the designated area (around State Park, Center, Broadway and Santa Cruz Avenue) will be placed underground. All utility poles within that area will also be removed, however, some new poles will be placed at the intersections for the installation of new streetlights.
The overhead wires will remain on Broadway south of Santa Cruz Avenue and north of Center Avenue. The overhead wires behind the homes on Coates Drive will be removed and placed underground in a trench in front of the homes on Coates Drive. The existing overhead wires on Coates Drive will remain.
Given the number of visitors to the Seacliff area in summer, the County and local businesses wanted construction to begin after Labor Day. AT&T expects to begin in September and said work will last into early 2017. AT&T believes that the majority of work will be completed before the end of December.
What is in the streetscape project?
Following the undergrounding work and slated to begin fall of 2017, after the peak summer season, the streetscape beautification project will include new ornamental LED streetlights, drought tolerant landscaping as part of the entrance into Seacliff State Beach, a new drought tolerant landscaped median, improved sidewalks and walkways, new bike racks, road and parking improvements and more. The overall entrance into Seacliff State Beach will be noticeably improved at State Park and Center.
The Seacliff Improvement Association and local businesses have actively worked with the utility companies, County Public Works and my office on ensuring that this project remain a priority. Once completed, it will provide a beautiful new gateway to the village area for residents and visitors.
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As always, I welcome your thoughts. Please feel free to call me at 454-2200.