Association News
Posted by HOA Administrator (Nancy Kawata) on Aug 18, 2022 3:57 pm
Novato Council to Discuss Selling Hamilton Property near Skate Park!
A small group of Hamilton residents and the manager of the Marriott Courtyard attended the May 10th city council meeting to discuss the impact of growing numbers of homeless and mentally ill people “camping” on city property near the skate park. Since the city’s remedies for this issue are limited, several residents urged the city to explore selling the property to private owners who could better control what happens there. The council agreed to discuss the issue in a September meeting. So this meeting is now at hand.
On September 27th, at 6:00 pm, the Novato City Council will discuss the possible sale and future development of city property surrounding the Skate Park and behind the Army landfill meadow. This could include the old rock crushing area and Ammo Hill for a total of 46 acres. Potential private uses include new housing, recreational facility, or a solar farm. The council wants to hear what uses Hamilton residents could support. Staff time is limited. They don’t want to spend scarce city resources developing plans only to find out later that residents are opposed to it.
We have an active and involved community in Hamilton. If you care about this site and future development, we urge you to weigh in on this issue sooner rather than later. The city wants to hear from residents now. The board agenda and staff report will be posted Friday Sept. 23rd on novato.org. You can attend the meeting in person or via Zoom. How can you express an opinion? You can see and make comments directly on the agenda website before the meeting. You can speak at the meeting. You can also send an email to the entire council, or call council members individually before the meeting.
What else is happening with Hamilton property?
Adam McGill, our city manager shared that the council will discuss the fate of our “Town Center”, the property surrounding the Hamilton Theater in early 2023. Novato can develop the property or can put the property up for sale in a predetermined process that favors housing.
The city is also negotiating a development agreement on the parcel including the old Officers Club, BOQ and gym/bowling alley. The plan is for senior and affordable housing. We should hear more about this soon. The historic buildings will be renovated and new housing built as well.
Please contact Nancy Kawata, (Hamilton Owners of Marin Association President) at nancykawata@gmail.com or Marie Hoch, (Hamilton Owners of Marin Association Treasurer and Director) at mariekhoch@gmail.com if you have questions or comments.
Remember, City officials work for us and our interests. If we don't speak up about what we want, they will do what they feel is best.