Marin Supes Approve New Initiatives To Address Encampment Near Novato

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Marin County is making progress in addressing an encampment along Binford Road and getting more people into permanent housing, according to an update presented to the Board of Supervisors this week.

Earlier this week, county staffers outlined recent initiatives and strategies to help relocate more occupants, enforce the rules and protect the environment and habitat at the Rush Creek Open Space Preserve that borders the encampment near Highway 101, north of Novato.

"The Binford Road encampment started with a dozen or so recreational vehicles (RVs) during the COVID-19 pandemic and turned into a refuge for 101 individuals and 132 vehicles as of December 1," the county wrote Tuesday. "Many living in vehicles there cannot afford Marin's high rents, have lost housing or a job, or have endured unexpected medical expenses. Extensive outreach resulted in a more accurate count of people and vehicles, including RVs, cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, utility and boat trailers."

In the months since the last update in August, county staffers said 10 people had moved into housing, with another 19 on the path to secure housing, and two-thirds of the encampment's population was connected with the Coordinated Entry system for stable housing.

Over the last 100 days, 18 vehicles were removed from the property, and their spaces fenced off, with additional protective fencing placed along the waterfront. The county has also provided pumping services, portable restrooms and handwashing stations, along with scheduling weekly trash removal. A lower speed limit is set to take effect Dec. 28.

Supervisors adopted a measure to prohibit overnight parking along the west side of the road and are considering more options to address community concerns in the coming weeks and months. The Board also signed off on a vehicle buyback program to offer financial incentives to people who have housing lined up with an exit date.

"I'm encouraged by all the progress that has been made this year," said District 5 Supervisor Eric Lucan. "The community and businesses along Binford Road have raised valid concerns, and I will continue to advocate for acceleration of transition residents to safe housing and supporting measures to protect the sensitive environment along the water."