News Highlights
CITY MOVES FORWARD WITH HILL ROAD PROPERTY PURCHASE
Last week, the City Council approved a settlement agreement with the Lieb family, which will allow the City to acquire nearly 10 acres located at 1521 Hill Road adjacent to the Hill Recreation Area for use as a future park, and/or for agricultural, historical, and open space purposes. The Council approved a purchase price of $1.65 million and funding to complete an environmental study of the property.

Next steps include bringing the results of the environmental study back to Council and to have a community discussion on the best uses for the property.

For more information on this property, visit novato.org/hillroadproperty. More photos.
CITY CONTINUES TO SEEK COUNTYWIDE QUIET ZONE
The City is working with the City of San Rafael and the County of Marin with the goal of applying for a single Quiet Zone, prior to the start of SMART rail service. The Quiet Zone would limit the noise from train horns as they approach vehicle and pedestrian crossings. At last week's meeting, Council directed staff to continue pursue the comprehensive Quiet Zone. More info at novato.org/smart.
Traffic Safety Grant Awarded to NPD
The Novato Police Department has been awarded a $71,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety for a year-long program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic related deaths and injuries. The Department will use the funding as part of the City's ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education.
MORE INFO
Square Shopping Center proposal submitted
The City recently received an application to redevelop the Square Shopping Center, located on the corner of Novato Blvd. and Wilson Ave. The City's review process has many opportunities for public input--the first occurring will be a neighborhood meeting scheduled by the developer (date yet to be determined). As part of the City's review process & prior to any approval, the Design Review Commission will weigh-in over multiple public meetings. Click below to sign-up for updates on this project.
  
Olive Ave Bikes Lanes Completed
Olive Avenue--between Samrose Drive and the eastern city limits--now has bike lanes on both sides of the road. The City completed construction in late September and the County is installing bike lanes on the stretch of Olive Ave. from the City limits to Atherton Avenue to close the remaining gap which connects east Novato to Downtown and to Olive Elementary School.  
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS NOW ONLINE
Last month, the City launched a webpage that lists Public Works projects in process (novato.org/pwprojects), which allows you to look up the location, status, and upcoming meetings of Public Works projects in your neighborhood. 
 
Now you can now look up proposed, approved, and completed private development projects that are making their way through the City's development review process. More projects will be added over the next few weeks as information is gathered.
 
Check out the info at  novato.org/planningprojects. You can also sign-up for updates via e-mail or text message on the projects you select.
Spooktacular Events in Novato
SCREAM ON THE GREEN
The Novato Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual Scream on the Green on Fri., Oct. 28 & Sat., Oct. 29.
This event--held at the City's Civic Green and City Hall--is fun for the entire family
 
SAFE TRICK OR TREAT
On Sat., Oct. 29--in Downtown Novato and in concert with the Scream on the Green faire--participating Downtown businesses provide a safe trick-or-treating experience for families. 11am-2pm.
A big thanks to both the Novato Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Novato Business Association for sponsoring these family-friendly events!
  
LIFE SCIENCES JOBS BOOST NOVATO ECONOMY 
Buck Institute
According to a recent Economic Development Report released by the City, the outlook on job growth in Novato is promising. Since 2013, job growth has accelerated and losses of construction and insurance jobs have been made up by gain in manufacturing, healthcare, and scientific services.

For more information and fast facts regarding the Novato economy, go to: www.novatoeconomy.org.
WEIGH-IN ON TOPICS THAT AFFECT YOU
Workshop set for NW Quad Neighborhood
As part of the City's General Plan Update, the City will be hosting a workshop for the residents and property owners in the Northwest Quadrant neighborhood to explore zoning possibilities. First meeting is scheduled for Wed., Oct. 26, 7-9pm at City Hall.
  
Novato's Transportation Needs
The Transportation Authority of Marin invites you to have a conversation about Marin's transportation future. Your input is important to plan for a transportation future in Marin that keeps everyone moving. Together we can make a difference in how we move around the county.
  
A TRAIN IS COMING TO NOVATO--BE TRACK SMART!
City of Novato
novato.org
415.899.8900