Senior Housing at Marin Valley Mobilehome Country Club Saved from Sale to For-Profit Corporation
August 25, 2023 (Novato, CA) – On August 22, 2023, the Novato City Council voted to decline a $30-million offer from a private for-profit company to purchase the city-owned land at Marin Valley Mobile Country Club (MVMCC), a mobilehome park, home to more than 400 seniors, ranging in age from 55 to 100 years old. Hanson Bridgett represented the residents.
"This decision was hard fought, but ultimately the City Council made the right choice,” said Hanson Bridgett lead counsel Dana Dean. "MVMCC provides an important affordable-housing option for Marin County’s seniors. The park keeps these residents, more than 40 percent of whom are low income, in a stable and caring community. They deserve to know that they are not at risk and that their own City would not put the homes they’ve put their life savings into at risk. We are pleased the Council finally understood it’s responsibility here."
The Hanson Bridgett team was led by counsel Dana Dean and included associate Wiemond Wu.
Background on the Case
The City of Novato has owned the MVMCC property since 1997. In June 2023, the City Council received a $30-million purchase offer from a private for-profit developer for the MVMCC land. Facing budget deficits at the City, over the following nine weeks, the City Council met in closed session to discuss pursuit of the sale and specific sale terms. Dozens of park residents came to every meeting to express their fears of losing their homes, as the Hanson Bridgett team made the case for keeping the park out of for-profit hands. On August 23, 2023, the City Clerk sent out the following announcement: “The Novato City Council has decided not to pursue the offer from HCA to purchase Marin Valley Mobile Country Club.”
About Hanson Bridgett
Hanson Bridgett LLP is a full service AmLaw 200 law firm with more than 200 attorneys across California. Creating a diverse workforce by fostering an atmosphere of belonging and intentional support has been a priority at Hanson Bridgett since its founding in 1958. We are dedicated to creating an environment that provides opportunities for people with varied backgrounds, both for attorneys and administrative professionals. As the first law firm recognized as a certified B Corp, we are committed to the communities where our employees live and work and consider it part of our professional obligation to serve justice by encouraging and supporting pro bono and social impact work.
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