At their February 11 meeting, the Novato City Council unanimously approved the permanent closure of the Temporary Camp at Lee Gerner Park and authorized an agreement for construction services to clean up and restore the park for community recreational use. 

The closure includes a 60-day delayed enforcement period to provide time for the 7 remaining campers to secure a shelter bed or other housing or shelter accommodations. During this transition, the City will continue working with local service providers as they provide support services at the Temporary Camp. If necessary, an additional 30-day delayed enforcement period may be granted on a case-by-case basis to those who are still actively in the process of securing housing accommodations. 

Council also approved an agreement with Integrity Construction Maintenance Inc. for removal and remediation of the damaged temporary camp site. Work will include removal of the top layer of soil in the fire-affected and contaminated areas, burned and damaged infrastructure, and a burned tree, as well as trimming of fire damaged tree branches, the removal of electrical outlets, and the cleaning of stained sidewalks. 

Future landscaping, irrigation, and additional site improvements may be necessary to fully restore the site to a neighborhood park for recreational use. 

Since 2022, the City has operated the Temporary Camp under a court-ordered Settlement Agreement between the City and the Marin County Homeless Union, which expired on October 13, 2024. In January 2025, a federal court determination reinforced the expiration of the Settlement Agreement. This week, the Marin County Homeless Union provided copies of a new lawsuit against the City, alleging breach of contract related to the expired Settlement Agreement. 

The City will continue collaborating with local service providers to assist all Novato’s unhoused community members and help them stay connected to vital resources including shelter placement and housing navigation services. We are appreciative of their dedication and expertise in creating meaningful pathways to safe and stable housing.

Additional information about homeless outreach in Novato is available at novato.org/homelessness.