Novato Reduces Living Streets Program

NOVATO, CA — A popular Novato program that started during the pandemic will continue through September, but less often.

The Novato City Council on Tuesday adopted a resolution that modifies the Living Streets Program.

The Friday-to-Monday closures of Grant Avenue between Machin and Reichert avenues will be held on the first weekend of each month instead of weekly under the resolution, city officials said.

The scheduling shift coincides with other downtown events.

Several downtown merchants this year have been organizing a First Fridays event with family activities including live music.

The city’s outdoor Concerts on the Green series kicks off on June 3 on the Novato Civic Green at 901 Sherman, and runs through August

The next regular closure of Grant Avenue between Machin and Reichert avenues will occur on Friday, June 3 at 5 p.m.

“We are fortunate to have been able to launch this program during the height of the pandemic to help offer the opportunity for our small businesses to expand their footprint outdoors when indoor options were limited,” City Manager Adam McGill said in a statement.

“Over the years, we have continued to evaluate and evolve the program to meet the needs of our Downtown businesses and our community. We look forward to this next phase of the program.”

Originally launched in 2020 as a full 3-day weekend closure to support local businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, the program was modified in 2021 with the installation of movable swing gates.

The gates provide flexibility around closure hours and allow the street to remain open to vehicular access during the day with the option to transition to pedestrian-only access in the evening or as needed during special events downtown.

The City will be changing existing signage around downtown to reflect the new Living Streets Schedule for 2022: June 3, July 1, August 5, and September 2.

Parking enforcement will begin at 4pm on the day of the closures to ensure the area is clear of vehicles and safe for pedestrians by the 5pm start time. City staff will continue to work on notifying shoppers and visitors during that time so that vehicles can be removed.