​Novato To Close Part Of Grant Avenue On Weekends During Summer

NOVATO, CA — The city of Novato will close part of Grant Avenue in downtown Novato every weekend this summer to allow restaurants and other businesses to expand into the street to ensure social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Starting this Friday, Grant Avenue will close except to pedestrians between Reichert and Machin avenues from 1 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Monday every weekend.

Novato is the first city in Marin County to try a full street closure to support local businesses and restaurants as restrictions have loosened since shelter-in-place orders went into effect in March, city officials said.

"Our community has been interested in closed street programs for Grant Avenue for a while," City Manager Adam McGill said. "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."

The city partnered with the Downtown Novato Business Association on the street closure plan.

"The opportunity for downtown retailers and restaurants to expand into the street will help them emerge from this difficult time," DNBA Executive Director Stephanie Koehler said.

"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."

Businesses in the area of the street closure interested in participating are required to complete an application and provide insurance certifications at novato.org/outdoorbiz.