Novato Receives Planning Application for Former Hamilton Base Landfill

The following is a news release from the City of Novato:

Today, the City received a formal planning application for a development plan proposing a 55-acre multi-use recreational complex and community park at the former Hamilton Air Force Base landfill. The application marks the first step in a comprehensive public process that make take up to two years. The project has been a topic of community discussion for the last three years, but this is the first formal step taken by the developer, Marin Sports Academy (MSA), in the City’s planning process.

Per the application, the MSA proposal for “The Hamilton Fields Sports Park and Community Park” project includes a 12-acre community park, four baseball/softball fields, two multi-sports fields, a training center, and a 1,000-seat ballpark for high school and collegiate sports. Following the base closure in 1974, the 55-acre site—located at Hamilton Parkway behind the City’s skate park--was master planned and zoned for recreational use.

The City will begin its public review process which will include numerous opportunities for community input, including review by the City’s Recreation, Cultural and Community Services Advisory Commission, Design Review Commission, Planning Commission, and ultimately the City Council. A detailed Environmental Impact Report will be prepared to evaluate potential traffic, parking, noise, lighting, biological, and geotechnical impacts.

MSA will be meeting with the Hamilton community on April 29 to introduce the project. City staff will be in attendance to describe the public review process in detail to the community. MSA has established a project website and the City will provide status updates on the review process at www.novato.org/hottopics

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