By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
FORT MONMOUTH – During the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority’s (FMERA) first meeting of 2021, held via teleconference Jan. 20, officials said the redevelopment of the former U.S. Army base will be accelerating this year, despite ongoing delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fort Monmouth’s 1,126-acres span portions of Eatontown, Oceanport and Tinton Falls.
“FMERA continues to engage with leads and prospective purchasers via teleconference while operating remotely,” said Sarah Giberson, FMERA marketing and development manager. “The pandemic has caused unanticipated delays. However, all of FMERA’s projects continue to make excellent progress and several other projects are planned to come online in the coming months. In the new year, FMERA will be focused on marketing several of its large parcels for redevelopment.” Those include Eatontown’s Parcel B mixed-use town center along Route 35 and, in Oceanport, the McAfee Center high-technology campus and the “400 Area” near the Little Silver Train Station, designated as a transit-oriented village with residences, services and retail.
BOWLING CENTER EXTENSION
The coming Alley at the Fort bowling and entertainment complex in Eatontown has already built a robust following on Instagram, but those fans will have to wait a little longer to enjoy the renovations, food and fun depicted on the social media platform. FMERA unanimously voted to grant an additional approval extension to owners Parker Creek Partners, LLC to March 30.
“Due to COVID-19 related delays and shutdowns, the purchaser was not able to obtain all approvals in the designated timeframe and required additional time,” according to FMERA documents prepared by staff.
Parker Creek Partners will pay $1.35 million for the 2.8-acre property fronting Route 537 (Avenue of Memories through the fort) and it’s 17,599-square-foot brick structure. The developers are renovating and expanding the fort’s former Bowling Center for commercial, recreational, entertainment and retail uses. Upgrades are being made to the kitchen. New additions include a bar, bocce courts, pool tables, shuffleboard tables and a stage. Closing is expected to occur within 120 days after satisfaction of all conditions, including completion of due diligence along with approvals from Monmouth County and Eatontown.
EAST GATE/GENERAL’S HOUSE
Fort Monmouth’s famed 4,500-square-foot, five-bedroom General’s House overlooking Parkers Creek at the end of Officer’s Row in Oceanport, a “fixer-upper,” has sold “as is” to a local couple for an undisclosed price. During a tour last year, The Two River Times observed the kitchen area was devoid of cabinets and appliances, there are no functioning bathrooms, no central air conditioning, and the heating sys- tem needs replacement. The home was presented by RPM Development Group of Montclair, which purchased and renovated all of the century-old former Officer’s Housing units, now known as East Gate. Those homes were 90 percent sold as of last week.
New owners Diane and Bob Baxter are upgrading the stately residence, East Gate’s largest, which has unique features including two rear sun porches that run the entire length of the house, providing panoramic views of Parkers Creek.
“We were attracted to the formality of the home design, as well as the solidness of the brick structure,” the Baxters said in a statement. “The archways, high ceilings, crown moldings, French doors, and beautiful staircase all stood out. Once systems are upgraded, we can begin the fun part, which is to preserve as much of the character of a 1930’s federal style home as possible. While many of these features may require restoration, we will keep what we can and replace what we have to. We’re aiming to have an eclectic mixture of an historic and structured layout with a modern and relaxed feel.” Proximity to family was also a factor in their purchase decision as their son and his wife are among new East Gate homeowners.
“After spending time at East Gate, we have grown to love the quiet community,” the couple said. “We also love being able to walk and ride our bikes here.” Once the fort is fully redeveloped, residents will avail themselves of amenities provided by the many projects nearing completion, including a fitness center; arts, cultural, and dining options; educational and health facilities; a waterfront promenade; retail and open space.
The Baxters are no strangers to historic renovation. A 2015 Two River Times article chronicled their “rescue” of a superintendent’s home on the former 64-acre historic Rohallion Estate in Rumson. Located near the Rumson County Day School, the property was featured on home and garden tours and hosted memorable parties.
Their past renovation experiences will inform work at the General’s House, where an artist will paint a mural on the dining room wall. The kitchen is being relocated to the back of the house, creating a flow from the living room opening to the sun porch. The general’s office is slated to become a library, a bedroom will be transitioned into a gym, the attic will be utilized as a game room and additional storage space and a portion of the basement is targeted to become a wine cellar.
OTHER NEWS
New Jersey American Water will soon begin installing a 2,000-foot, eight-inch water main from Anson Avenue at Murphy Drive westward to Todd Avenue, then north to Avenue of Memories. A continuation of ongoing infrastructure upgrades, the main will serve key parcels currently being redeveloped. The installation of a 5,600-foot, 24-inch water main extension along Avenue of Memories is scheduled to begin in April.
The Borough of Eatontown is moving forward with the purchase of a 7.2-acre tract on Echo Avenue for relocation of its Department of Public Works at a cost of $886,461. The site includes five buildings, including the fort’s former car wash, which will be demolished. The borough asked for and has received a five-month extension to the approval period, now set for April 1.
At the request of FMERA chairman Robert Lucky, “Coming Soon” signs will be erected on various areas on the fort where projects are nearing completion, “so the public can see what we’re really planning,” he said.
This article originally ran in the Jan. 28 – Feb. 3, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
