By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
FORT MONMOUTH – The Eatontown Planning Board voted unanimously Monday to approve a “sliver” of Phase 1A of Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth within its borders, clearing the path for the entertainment giant to proceed with presenting Phase 1B.
Once Netflix closes on almost 300 acres of the former U.S. Army base, possibly by the end of 2025, it will embark on construction of a 12-soundstage production facility covering parts of Eatontown and Oceanport.
In Phase 1A, four soundstages will be built in Oceanport, surrounding the McAfee Center on Route 537 (Avenue of Memories through the fort), slated to be renovated and expand- ed for production-related operations. Oceanport has already approved Phase 1A. Phase 1B is expected to be presented to Oceanport before Labor Day.
The only part of Phase 1A in Eatontown is the property that held the now-demolished Bowling Center, which will become a stormwater detention basin. Details of that section were revealed at Monday night’s presentation by Netflix, with some alterations from the original version. Board members weighed in on the changes, prompting Netflix’s engineers and designers to return to the drawing board for additional tweaks.
The perimeter security wall that will surround the complex has generated significant discussion throughout the long, multi-level approval process the company is now navigating with the municipalities, the county and various state agencies. Netflix originally envisioned the 8-to-10-feet- tall wall as having different panel styles to provide visual interest and allow some visibility into the studios at certain points. Among the styles were flat concrete sections that would include “moments,” described as artistic designs or plaques commemorating the fort’s 100-year history.
Since its initial presentations before the two boroughs late last year, Netflix designers made adjustments to the wall façade styles, eliminating the moments, a revelation that elicited disappointment from board members and the few members of the public who spoke Monday night.
“I want to be sure the fort continues to be recognized,” said resident Yvonne Bova, who grew up on Fort Monmouth as her father was career military. Attorney Lisa John-Basta of Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi Law of Roseland, who conducts the presentations for Netflix, said the specific moments have not been designed.
“Completely removing the moments has some board members asking why,” Eatontown Mayor Anthony Talerico Jr., said, adding he and the board want the moments re-incorporated. “We’re hearing you loud and clear,” replied John-Basta. “We will consider it and bring it back in Phase 1B.”
The mayor asked Netflix to submit “generalities” of proposed moment panels to the borough engineer before Sept. 2 when Netflix is expected to present Phase 1B to Eatontown’s planning board. The Phase 1B presentation was originally scheduled for Aug. 11.
Netflix also debuted a change to a brick-look decorative wall on the corner of Route 537 and Wilson Avenue, where one of two main gates into the complex will be installed. The new design shows the wall moved back from the street, with Netflix’s red “N” logo, at 9 feet tall by 4.9 feet wide, standing alone on the grass and lit from the front. The change allows for three-quarters of an acre of green space filled with native trees and shrubs where the detention basin will be. At the urging of Talerico, additional irrigation will be added in the grassy area there to ensure it stays green. “The applicant will agree to that,” John-Bosta said. Talerico said Eatontown’s approval of Phase 1A is subject to the irrigation changes.
Resident Al Baginsky initiated a discussion about the walking trail that has long been part of Fort Monmouth’s redevelopment plan. Each developer along the route of the paved walkway is responsible for building their portion of it. Civil Engineer Chris Cirrotti of Langan Engineering, Netflix’s expert, said the 10- to 12-foot-wide path will be “a cohesive loop” along Route 537 to Sherrill Avenue and along the north side of Net- flix’s development, linking with portions already constructed. In Phase 1B, it will be extended further from Wilson Avenue to Route 35.
A mill is also part of the studio complex. Previously depicted as one large building, it has now been separated into two structures. John-Basta said this is to achieve “better aesthetics so it is not one large building,” with no changes to functionality. Office and production buildings, a warehouse and backlot will also be part of the complex.
The article originally appeared in the August 7 – 13, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
