Residents of Noe Valley find themselves embroiled in a legal battle against Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) over the installation of a new utility pole that some homeowners say has become an unsightly intrusion on their properties.
Suzy Archer, 37, and her family returned from a trip last week to discover a newly erected utility pole on Diamond Street, towering over the neighborhood trees. Archer expressed her disbelief and frustration, stating, “We had no prior notice. I can’t believe they didn’t talk to us first before they did this.”
The lawsuit contends that PG&E installed the pole directly on the plaintiffs’ property. This placement is allegedly preventing Archer and her family from advancing plans for a driveway and two-car garage, as well as obstructing their view of the scenic Twin Peaks. The complaint articulates grievances about the pole’s impact on property value and the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood.
Additionally, her partner, Klein, recounted his surprise upon discovering the pole, which was installed on September 4. “I went down, and all of a sudden, there was a pole,” he noted, highlighting that their home is unique in the area for having a utility pole centered directly in front. Klein also mentioned a second hole dug nearby that was later filled, implying that an alternative location might have been considered for the pole.
As this situation unfolded, Klein and the family sought to resolve the issue informally. They urged PG&E to pause any further work related to the installation until discussions could take place, but the utility company declined their request. According to the lawsuit, PG&E informed the residents that the installation must be completed before any relocation requests could be considered, which would also involve costs for the homeowners.
The newly placed pole has yet to be connected to any electrical wires, but maintenance work has already been scheduled, according to the permits approved by the Department of Public Works. Tamar Sarkissian, a PG&E spokesperson, labeled the project as critical for enhancing safety and reliability while also providing additional capacity for electrification efforts outlined in the utility’s decarbonization goals. Sarkissian refrained from commenting on the ongoing lawsuit.
Joseph Catalano, a resident of Diamond Street for 25 years, voiced his disappointment over the pole’s installation. He had originally hoped that PG&E would take this opportunity to bury transmission lines underground instead. Catalano remarked, “With the installation of that pole, it’s obvious they’re not going to remove it underground, and I think that’s unfortunate.”
The residents are acutely aware that the location of the pole, especially concerning both aesthetic views and property plans, significantly diminishes their quality of life. Catalano noted, “If they had hoped to use a garage driveway where that pole is, it’s going to inhibit that,” further emphasizing the adverse effects the pole could have on their scenic surroundings.
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