By Sue Lattanzio
You may recall reading in the Yodeler last year about a proposal by a commercial developer to build a massive private sports complex right next to the Hamilton Wetlands Preserve, a model wetland-restoration project on the San Pablo Bay in Novato. The proposed development would be built right on top of a former U.S. Army hazardous-waste landfill, located in an environmentally sensitive FEMA-designated floodplain. Unfortunately, this proposal is still alive.
Thanks in part to public pressure, the developer, MSA Commercial, retracted its application to the City of Novato for the complex — but we have learned that they are working behind the scenes in Washington to get direct approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Backroom maneuvering in Washington was how the Army Corps acquired its easement on the 55-acre bayside parcel from the city in 2012 — for just $10.
Members of the Marin Group have been trying unsuccessfully for over a year to get information from the Army Corps on the status of the development approvals. Local residents have been informed that the Army Corps is in control of the landfill and does not need city approvals to move the project forward.
Fortunately, the Army Corps’ 2012 easement has an extinguishment clause that we propose should be acted upon. We have asked the City of Novato to seek to gain control of the parcel to protect its environmental value and to assure local control and public benefit. The City voted in early April to consider this action item on an upcoming agenda: “Request to the US Army Corps of Engineers to grant an easement to the City of Novato for the purpose of creating passive recreational uses over Landfill 26 located at Hamilton Field.”
Disturbing the landfill by building on top of it could increase the release of toxic waste into the wetlands and the bay. Noise, traffic, light pollution, and litter from the proposed sports-complex development would also put our wetland ecosystems at risk.
The 980-acre Hamilton Wetlands Restoration Project was completed in 2014 at a cost to taxpayers of over $280 million. With habitat for over 38 special-status and endangered species, Hamilton Wetlands is one of the best places in the Bay Area to watch wildlife, from a large diversity of migratory birds and waterfowl to river otters and western pond turtles. Preserving open space adjacent to the newly restored wetlands and Hamilton Bay Trail is essential for the future of the wetlands, wildlife, and public enjoyment.
WhatYouCanDo
Please write the Novato City Council to show your support for their actions to gain control of the Landfill 26 Easement and assure local control and protection for the amazing wetlands and wildlife in this unique and beautiful natural treasure.
Novato City Hall Council Chambers
901 Sherman Avenue, Novato, CA 94945
415-899-8900
- Mayor Denise Athas, dathas@novato.org
- Mayor Pro Tem Josh Fryday, jfryday@novato.org
- Councilmember Pam Drew, pdrew@novato.org
- Councilmember Pat Eklund, peklund@novato.org
- Councilmember Eric Lucan, elucan@novato.org
For campaign updates and action items, visit the Marin Group website and Facebook page. and www.facebook.com/sierraclubmarin.
