In Hamilton Field a very large scale, regional multi-sports complex has been proposed to be open by 2018. This complex, built on Hamilton Landfill 26 would encompass five amplified baseball fields, one lighted with 1000 seat capacity, 2 multi-purpose fields, a 50,000 sq ft indoor sports training facility and 785 parking places. It includes a 12-acre community park with a 6th baseball field, a mutli-purpose field, volley ball and bocce ball courts, rock climbing and dog park. To envision the scale of this complex, Hamilton Marketplace is marked on the map.

 

In April 2015 large numbers of neighbors attended a presentation of this proposal complex to discuss community impacts. Recently neighbors have been discussing the proposed project on HamiltonCA.nextdoor.com.

 

It has met with opposition from many in Hamilton, as well as nearby areas that would be adversely affected. Residents are voicing major concerns about traffic congestion and pollution with 230-626 extra trips per hour generated based on partial use of the facilities and only 9-14% useage of the parking, according to a traffic study prepared for the City of Novato. Parking issues on site and off-site, construction impact, noise including an amplification system, lighting, safety, alcohol sales, encroachment on Ammo Hill open space, and environmental effects, are issues being raised. Developers are requesting the City of Novato to amend their General Plan to deignate the entire development area as parkland so that they can build a ball field and parking lot closer to the wildlife refuge. More details about this massive project are available on The City of Novato's website.

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The Sierra Club has recently come out against this project or any development on this site. "Sierra Club Marin Group is taking the following position on the development of the Hamilton Army Airfield Landfill 26 property and adjacent areas: We support non-structural, environmentally responsible public usage and open space use on the site to preserve and protect adjacent wetlands and wildlife. We are opposed to any commercial, structural development on the Landfill 26 property and adjacent areas designated for limited public recreation and open space."

 

A website has been created, PreserveNovato.org to inform Novato residents and to gather signatures on a petition opposing building this massive complex.

 

A supporting viewpoint is offered on the developers' website.

 

Neighborhood input either supporting or opposing this development complex may be posted on this website with approval of Kat Ryan.