By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
FORT MONMOUTH – During its final meeting of the year Dec. 21, the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) voted unanimously to approve a Purchase and Sale & Redevelopment Agreement (PSARA) with Netflix for the fort’s 292-acre Mega Parcel in Eatontown and Oceanport.
The entertainment firm intends to turn the site into its second largest production studio in the world, containing 12 soundstages, a back lot, and ancillary production space, to be called Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth.
A Netflix spokesperson said the FMERA board was expected to approve the PSARA Wednesday shortly after The Two River Times’ print deadline. Netflix announced it scored highest among four bidders for the site in October, garnering a supportive statement from Gov. Phil Murphy. Murphy is credited with attracting Netflix to the state after he reached out to major film production companies nationwide inviting them to locate in New Jersey, offering perks and economic incentives.
Netflix anticipates billions in economic output, cultural benefits and as many as 3,500 construction jobs will be created through Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth, according to the spokesperson. Once the studio is fully operational, estimates are production could contribute between 1,400 and 2,200 jobs annually.
Netflix plans workforce development training programs for positions like electricians, stage operation, grips, set design, production accountants and more. “We hope to have a stream of productions ready to go in New Jersey” prior to the anticipated 2027 opening, said Rajiv Dalal, Netflix Director of Content and Studio Affairs, during a telephone interview Tuesday, Dec. 20.
“As in other locations, we partner with local unions who create a program with community colleges,” Dalal said. “These are good paying, middle class jobs that don’t require a college education.”
Dalal said Netflix wants to be a “good community player and corporate citizen” and will continue its efforts toward increased sustainability in Monmouth County.
“We want to make it a green facility and leave the least carbon footprint,” he said, citing Netflix’s New Mexico facility as an example. According to the spokesperson, Netflix has steadily increased its commitment to sustainability, including targets to halve emissions by 2030.
According to Variety, Netflix purchased an existing Albuquerque studio in 2018 for about $30 million and produces programs there including “Stranger Things,” generating over 5,000 cast and crew jobs. In one instance, Netflix upgraded a local ice-skating rink before using it as a filming location, including installing a new roof.
The purchase price for the Mega Parcel is $55 million, the previously appraised value. With an investment of $850 million, Netflix plans to build a state-of-the-art fully integrated production facility with an estimated $7.4 billion to $8.9 billion in output over the next 20 years. The firm further estimates the value added to New Jersey’s economy as a direct result of construction and production during that same period could be as high as $4.6 billion. Hopes are the “East Coast production hub” will spur more investment in equipment, facilities and services, generating additional jobs.
While numerous outdated and deteriorating former U.S. Army structures throughout the property will be demolished, hopes are to adaptively reuse some buildings following assessments of their conditions and infrastructure. Netflix will also offer seasonal community events including movie nights on the Parade Grounds inside the Oceanport Avenue gates.
“We will keep the Parade Grounds for the community and preserve memorials,” Dalal said. “The goal is to keep as much of the history of the fort as possible and preserve the fiber of what the fort was.”
He said some buildings being considered for adaptive reuse are in the “400 area” in Oceanport near the Little Silver Train Station. That site was once slated for a transit-oriented village, as well as a test site for an autonomous shuttle program before it was absorbed into the Mega Parcel.
“Our site plan isn’t finalized yet, including where we will position everything,” said Dalal, originally from North Caldwell in Essex County. Growing up with an aunt in Long Branch, he had a lifelong familiarity with Fort Monmouth. He called it rare “to find that much land in a desirable location on the East Coast with the talent, scenic backdrops and metropolitan areas.”
The spokesperson said Netflix wants to tap into the state’s existing experienced crews and talent, as well as its creative sector to produce television series and films here.
The project now moves to the due diligence phase, during which Netflix’s own engineers and experts will examine the buildings, grounds and infrastructure. Netflix representatives must also bring their plans to the Eatontown and Oceanport planning boards and governing bodies for approvals.
Look for the article in this week’s, December 22 – 28, 2022, print edition of The Two River Times.
