Demolition on Nave Drive Makes Way for Oma Village

A dilapidated collection of buildings at 5394 Nave Drive that formerly was home to people in substance abuse recovery with Ohlhoff Recovery Programs has been demolished to make way for the proposed Oma Village family housing site.

Homeward Bound of Marin contracted with JS Company in San Rafael for demolition services, which included recycling all materials to the fullest extent possible. The Novato Fire Department previously had used the site for training.

Homeward Bound and its Oma Village construction partner, Blu Homes, have held three public workshops this year to collect input on the concept plan for the site from neighbors and city officials.

As a result, the design has shifted to include two-story buildings that will allow for better access to the site and provide more space for landscaped or play areas. The proposal calls for seven two-story buildings with 12 two-bedroom units and 2 one-bedroom units.

Plans now call for a one-way driveway from Nave Drive into the site on the north side, with a soundwall along the Nave Drive frontage blocking access from other points at that side. The main resident access will be on Marin Valley Drive and residents will be encouraged to use that route for foot and bike travel at all times.

Homeward Bound continues to plan for a one-story community room with on-site laundromat and space for a computer learning/tutoring center where staff and volunteers can run a homework club for young residents. Residents will share a patio area and community garden.

A $300,000 challenge grant is offered from the Marin Community Foundation to match all contributions dollar-for-dollar until June 30. To contribute or find out more, please see the Oma Village flyer or visit our Paypal donation site for Homeward Bound online.

We also invite you to view and share our Oma Village video. Please contact Homeward Bound Deputy Director Paul Fordham at 415-382-3363 x211 with further questions.