The City of Novato, in partnership with the Downtown Novato Business Association (DNBA), will temporarily close Grant Avenue to create pedestrian-only access from Reichert to Machin Avenues every weekend this summer. This street closure will occur from 1pm Friday to 7am Monday, starting Friday, June 12.
This move is to support our local businesses by allowing them to expand beyond sidewalks and into the street while adhering to County Public Health Orders. Allowing for better social distancing to make outdoor dining and retail safer and easier for our businesses and community.
“Our community has been interested in closed street programs for Grant Avenue for a while,” stated City Manager Adam McGill, “and this is a perfect opportunity to both respond to their request and support our small businesses by expanding their outdoor footprints as we transition deeper into phase two of the shelter-in-place orders.”
Novato is proud to be the first community in Marin County to pilot a full street closure program to help our businesses and restaurants get back in business in Downtown Novato.
“The opportunity for Downtown retailers and restaurants to expand into the street will help them emerge from this difficult time,” said DNBA Executive Director Stephanie Koehler. “The DNBA is grateful to the City for their partnership in making this a reality. We look forward to seeing our Downtown come alive again! “
The City and the DNBA look forward to welcoming shoppers and diners back to Downtown, every weekend throughout the summer, with a reminder that all visitors and businesses must continue to follow County of Marin guidelines regarding social distancing, good hygiene practices, and face coverings, For the program to succeed, it will be evaluated closely to ensure the safety of businesses and the health of the community and may cease if protocols cannot be adhered to.
Downtown businesses interested in participating are required to complete a brief application and provide insurance certifications which can be easily submitted online at novato.org/outdoorbiz.