Novato Suspends Weekend Downtown Street Closure

NOVATO, CA — Novato’s weekend downtown Grant Avenue street closure has been suspended, city officials.

City officials cited feedback from the Downtown Novato Business Association for its decision to suspend the program, city officials said.

The move goes into effect this weekend.

Restaurants during the suspension will be allowed to continue using sidewalks as well as the parking spaces in front of and adjacent to their establishments for dining, city officials said.

Due to current tier restrictions, indoor capacity for some businesses remains limited with modifications in place to allow for adequate distancing.

Additionally, the city will be installing movable swing gates to provide flexibility for potential future closures.

These new gates will allow opportunity for daytime vehicular access to businesses downtown and potential pedestrian-friendly evening street closures.

Novato last year became Marin County’s first community to launch a pedestrian-only street access program, which ran from June through November and re-launched in March of this year.

The program aims to help support local businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

“Throughout the pilot program, we have been listening to feedback from our downtown business community” DNBA Executive Director Stephanie Koehler said in a statement.

“We feel fortunate to have been able to launch this program to support our businesses and provide our community a new way to enjoy our Downtown. While it is a challenge to find a solution that works for everyone, we are doing our best to seek compromises and balance everyone’s changing needs."