- June 26, 2021
- Posted by: Stratford Team
- Category: Business
Pandemic-era street closures aimed at helping downtown Novato businesses may become permanent, and business owners are offering mixed reactions.
The City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to advance an ordinance that would close two blocks of Grant Avenue between Reichert and Machin avenues on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5 p.m. to midnight. Mayor Pro Tem Eric Lucan recused himself from the vote, citing a real property interest on Machin Avenue.
Swinging gates would be installed to block traffic from entering, allowing restaurants to place tables in the street and retailers to set up display stands during the afternoons.
“I think this could actually be a catalyst for many great new things in our downtown,” said Councilwoman Susan Wernick.
Business owners could set up displays in parking spaces and tree wells, plus use an additional 2 feet into the street. Sidewalks would still be subject to existing regulations.
If approved at the…
