Hamilton Fields Recreational Complex

By Jeanne Macleamy

A developer has proposed a large sports and recreation complex on the Hamilton Master Plan public park site adjacent to a Hamilton neighborhood, causing great concern for some Hamilton residents and adjacent communities.

During my service on the City Council I discovered 3 overarching principles for a safe, sustainable and vibrant community: fiscal, facilities and land use.

The Hamilton Fields proposal is a land use issue. I believe our land use strategy should preserve Novato's natural edge and zone all remaining land to insure development appropriate to our neighborhoods and environment, maintaining the unique character of Novato.

Novato's eastern edge is defined by the Hamilton wetland restoration, the San Francisco Bay Trail and levee. Adjacent to this edge are neighborhoods integrating living, work and cultural assets. The original Hamilton Master Plan for the public park envisioned a modest, locally-oriented sports and recreation complex.

I support a recreation development in keeping with the spirit of the original Hamilton Master Plan. Any development in this unique area needs to be appropriate for the site, the environment and particularly for the Hamilton neighborhood. I will work toward achieving this outcome.