A newly installed fence secures the gnarled remains of the abandoned rice dryer at 110 Virginia St., now under the control of a court ordered receiver. Photo by Susan Meeker

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - A chain link security fence now surrounds the property at 110 Virginia St., marking the city’s latest effort to stabilize a long troubled site that has been used as a homeless encampment and the scene of repeated law enforcement responses.

The property is in court ordered receivership and remains listed for sale, though it has not received any offers. In recent months, city officials reported multiple fire related incidents at the location, prompting renewed urgency to secure the parcel and limit access.

Public Works Director Jerry Cox last month presented the City Council with options for the site, including temporary rental fencing and a permanent installation. The council received two comparable quotes for temporary fencing and ultimately selected the company able to provide the quickest installation.

Deputy City Attorney Landon Little advised that because the property is in receivership, the court appointed receiver would not front the cost of fencing. Instead, the city would pay for the installation and seek reimbursement from sale proceeds, subject to court approval once the property is sold.

Police Chief Todd Farr said fencing has proven effective at the city’s other nuisance property at 390 Virginia St.

“Prior to the fencing, there was a lot more activity in there,” Farr said. “Once the fencing went up, that lessened. Did it eliminate? No.”

Council members directed staff to continue monitoring the site, even after fencing, including the use of drones to assess structural conditions and overall security.

Gridley sought receivership after the abandoned and deteriorating industrial grain dryer became a persistent nuisance. Once the petition was filed, however, the out of country property owner ceased contact with the city, delaying related litigation involving their also abandoned industrial building at 390 Virginia St.

With the fence now in place, city officials say the goal is to deter trespassing, reduce fire risk, and limit emergency responses while the receivership process continues and a buyer is sought. Councilmember Catalina Sanchez also raised the possibility of the city purchasing the property outright.