Negotiations are continuing between the City of Novato and the Marin Valley Mobile Country Club Park Acquisition Corporation (PAC) for the City to potentially sell the mobile home park to park residents.
In 1997, the City of Novato borrowed $17 million to purchase the Marin Valley Mobile Country Club (MVMCC), preserving affordable housing for more than 400 seniors living in the park’s 313 mobile home units. The PAC has previously sought to purchase the park but was unable to proceed due to challenges in demonstrating long-term financial stability. In 2023, the City declined an unsolicited offer by a private entity who wished to purchase the site, choosing to retain ownership to ensure stable housing for residents. Subsequently, the PAC approached the City with another request to purchase the property. Exclusive negotiations have been under way since May 2024.
The Novato City Council has determined the most recent offer from the park representatives does not present terms that definitively ensure the preservation of affordable, secure and well-maintained housing for the MVMCC residents both now and into the future. The City Council has requested the park residents demonstrate proof of their financial capability to complete the purchase, without City financing, should an agreement be reached.
“We recognize that many residents are feeling anxious and uncertain about the future. Marin Valley is not just a place to live—it’s a community of supportive and caring neighbors. It’s important for the community to know that the City is not actively trying to sell this property,” said Novato Mayor Tim O’Connor. “The City’s goal when it purchased the park was to ensure that this remained an affordable solution for seniors in our community to age in place. Any request to purchase this community asset must prioritize maintaining long-term affordability for its residents,” noting that the City has been successful as rents average $600 per month due, in part, to a local ordinance, approved by the City Council, that limits rent increases in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The rent control ordinance does not apply to resident-owned housing models.
In its response to a purchase offer from park tenants, the Novato City Council reiterated that exploring the financial, operational, and legal aspects of a potential sale has been a key aspect of the negotiations between the City and park representatives. The City is also requesting that in-person meetings occur between the parties to more easily discuss these issues and find solutions to address the shared goals of maintaining affordability and security.
“We do feel the City is in the best position to ensure this treasure remains in place and affordable for generations,” said O’Connor. “We know that conversations about housing can be emotional and stressful. The City Council and staff approach this with great sensitivity and do not want to cause undue stress to residents during this negotiation process. We are continuing to work very closely with park representatives to try to find a sales price and terms that would meet their needs.”
As discussions with Marin Valley residents continue, additional information is available on the City’s website at novato.org/MVMCC.
