By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
FORT MONMOUTH – Netflix wants to close on the 292-acre site it plans to turn into Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth earlier than previously stated, the Two River Times has learned. The closing was originally projected for two to three years from now, but last year, the date was revised to 2026.
Officials have repeatedly remarked that Netflix is “moving aggressively” to accelerate the process while adhering to mandated guidelines and approval requirements.
Two sources involved in the discussions said if an earlier date is achieved, construction would begin within days of the closing. Contacted last Thursday, a Netflix spokesperson declined to confirm or deny those comments.
At the May 14 ceremonial groundbreaking attended by Gov. Phil Murphy and a host of state, county and local officials, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said productions are already scheduled for the new studio complex, adding, “We plan to hit the ground running.”
Demolition of obsolete buildings is also underway, with over 80 structures meeting the wrecking ball this year.
Allowed work includes 12 soundstages, mill space, support and office buildings, production services buildings, commissary/cafeteria, a helipad, backlots, a hotel, and wind or small solar systems.
Oceanport Mayor Tom Tvrdik said initial work (Phase 1A) will focus on the McAfee Center off Route 537 through the former fort, slated for renovation and reuse as offices and space for wardrobe, hair and makeup, and dressing rooms. The studio’s first four soundstages will be built surrounding the 1997 red brick structure, he said, adding the next phase (1B) will occur from the McAfee Center west to Route 35.
“There is full cooperation between Oceanport and Eatontown,” Tvrdik said. “Our construction officials are working closely together. We meet regularly to ensure all goes smoothly.” While the 1,126-acre former U.S. Army base spans portions of Eatontown, Oceanport and Tinton Falls, Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth will only be located in Eatontown and Oceanport.
At the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority’s (FMERA) May 21 meeting, voting members approved Netflix’s request to amend the construction phases, separating Phase 2 into two subphases. Phase 2A now includes Vail Hall and six former barracks buildings along Route 537, which will be renovated for reuse, and the 400 Area located across Oceanport Avenue from the former “back gate” of the fort.
In Phase 2B, Greely Field and Cowan Park will be preserved as deed-restricted, publicly accessible open space. The World War II Memorial in Greely Field will be repaired and maintained. The flagpole and plaque at Cowan Park in front of Russel Hall will not be disturbed.
At closing, Netflix will pay $55 million for the property. The company’s total capital investment is estimated at $900 million. A maximum of 3,528 full-time construction jobs will be created, with 1,407 jobs to be created within 24 months of the issuance of the Certificate of Completion of Phase 1. An additional 128 jobs are expected within 12 months of the issuance of the Certificate of Completion of Phase 2.
HABcore to Build Homeless Facility
in Oceanport
Under a purchase, sale and redevelopment agreement approved by FMERA May 21, HABcore Inc. of Red Bank is on track to purchase a 1-acre parcel on Oceanport Way in Oceanport to construct a new facility consisting of 25 permanent, single-room-occupancy affordable housing units. HABcore will pay FMERA $1 for the site, which is near the Oceanport Municipal Complex.
Sixteen units will serve the homeless while nine will be reserved for veterans. Each unit will have a private bathroom and kitchenette. Community and administrative office space can also be included.
“With nearly 86% of the fort already under contract or redeveloped, identifying a suitable location for a homeless service facility was contingent on available land and the mutual agreement by several parties,” said Sarah Giberson, FMERA’s director of real estate development and marketing. Oceanport, FMERA, HABcore and the Affordable Housing Alliance were involved in the discussions, ensuring housing obligations were met and funding sources for HABcore would be available.
HABcore will invest approximately $5 million in the project and create two part-time and two full-time jobs at the facility within 12 months of its completion. The average of two appraisals FMERA arranged for the site was $282,500.
HABcore will have a six-month due diligence period and an 18-month approval period to complete investigations of the property and secure all approvals or it can waive the approvals to close on the parcel. HABcore will commence construction within 60 days after closing and complete construction within 24 months. Renderings of the new building are not yet available, Giberson said.
Begun by volunteers of Red Bank’s Lunch Break in 1988 with one home housing five people, today HABcore provides homes for approximately 400 people, including 65 previously homeless families, according to its website. The organization owns properties in Red Bank, Keansburg, Eatontown and Beachwood. Through HUD, HABcore leases sites throughout Monmouth County. Individualized support is available for homeless veterans, families and individuals with special needs.
HABcore’s statistics state 80% of departing residents over the last 10 years have gone on to live in more independent settings or family reunification. About 96% of participating adults maintained or increased their total income. The “HAB” in HABcore comes from the initials of three homeless men who froze to death on Red Bank streets in the 1980s.
The article originally appeared in the May 29 – June 4, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
