On January 14, the City of Novato provided two individuals a 72-hour notice to vacate an illegal encampment located on city-owned property known as the Bachelor Officer’s Quarters (BOQ) site in Hamilton, APN: 157-690-53. The BOQ site is uninhabitable for public access due to unsafe conditions, lack of resources available at the site, and the City’s intent to sell the property in the coming months. On December 18, 2020, the City learned that two self-identified homeless activists had intentionally occupied the site as a protest against perceived inadequate services for the unhoused.

Today at 4pm, City staff moved forward with the closure of this site and has removed and stored property that was abandoned by the protestors to be reclaimed by the owner(s). Previously installed, but unsecured, fencing at the BOQ site has now been fully secured. No trespassing signs have been posted for public safety. Anyone found trespassing on the property going forward will be subject to arrest.

“We remain committed to strategically addressing homelessness in Novato by following the City and County’s agreed upon Housing First approach and services. However, the City cannot allow this illegal encampment to remain at this site as the property is not open to public access nor suitable for occupation in its current state,” said Mayor Pat Eklund. “The City and County have coordinated efforts with many sanctioned partners, making considerable progress until the pandemic struck. Those occupying the BOQ site, have access to homeless support resources and services, but chose to protest at this site, which only served to divide service provider efforts and further compromise the City’s operating budget, which is already in deficit.”

The City has established partnerships with the County of Marin and local service providers to ensure that people experiencing homelessness have access to services and available support programs. Additionally, the City has created an online informational resource for those who are experiencing homelessness themselves and need assistance, as well as those interested in helping or learning more about what the City is doing to help those experiencing homelessness. More information at novato.org/homelessness.

The Novato City Council will discuss homelessness at their Tuesday, January 26 meeting. The agenda will be available the Thursday prior to the meeting at novato.org/councilagendas.

Additional information about the BOQ site and other City-owned properties in Hamilton is available at novato.org/hamiltonltp.