City outlines geotechnical drilling at Cabrillo Mall to keep revitalization on schedule

Bob Greenlaw, presenting the Cabrillo Mall revitalization plan, told the council that geotechnical borings will begin the next morning with three consulting firms engaged to examine subsurface conditions and guide design decisions. "The overall project timeline is currently forecasted for 1 summer season for the Cabrillo Mall project," he said, adding that the team aims to avoid slipping into a second summer construction season.

Greenlaw explained the field work schedule and mitigation measures: rigs will arrive on barges, work will be staged near the seaplane ramp and remain fenced for safety, and some borings could reach 50–75 feet to sample soils at depth. He said pressure grouting and a potential grout curtain might be required if borings show porous or voided materials that could cause liquefaction and differential settlement in a seismic event.

The presentation included operational details intended to limit public disruption: drill rigs would operate early in the morning, temporary barriers would protect pedestrian and VIP embarkation lines, and staff anticipate the noisiest work would register near 80 decibels at the drill site, dropping off rapidly with distance. Greenlaw also flagged funding and vendor availability as schedule risks and said the design phase is expected to run through March of the following year to allow early deliveries and work sequencing.

Councilors asked about staging, schedule certainty and public notification; staff said they will post updates on the city's projects webpage and coordinate with harbor operations to minimize impacts on boaters and visitors.