By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
FORT MONMOUTH – Welcome to netflixnewjersey.com. A new website from the international entertainment company launched Jan. 28 “to share updates on the development of Netflix Studios at Fort Monmouth and our community engagement activities in New Jersey,” according to a company spokesperson.
Calling it “the official source for the latest news, events, and opportunities related to Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth,” the spokesperson added, “We aim to keep the community that has welcomed us to New Jersey informed and engaged as we grow together. We encourage you to explore and stay connected with us.”
One of the topics addressed on the site is when the 12-soundstage studio complex on almost 300 acres across Eatontown and Oceanport might open for business, a moving target.
Currently, Netflix is marching through a 36-month mandated approval period requiring its representatives and planners to present and explain its plans, phase by phase, to local, county and state entities. Late last year, both Eatontown and Oceanport approved Phase 1A, four soundstages and support buildings mostly located in Oceanport covering 39 acres.
The Development Review Committee (DRC) of the Monmouth County Planning Board is expected to hear Netflix’s Phase 1A proposals next. A hearing date had not been set as of press time.
“Netflix will not appear before the Monmouth County Planning Board because the Planning Board has delegated its duties to review subdivision and site plan applications (development applications) to the DRC, which is comprised of four members of the planning board, the county engineer and the director of the division of planning,” wrote Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone in response to an email from the Two River Times. That body meets the second and fourth Monday of each month in Freehold.
Initially, full construction build-out of the complex was projected for at least seven
years after closing, which is expected within two years. In December, however, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) issued a press release stating completion is now targeted for 2028. Local officials have told The Two River Times that Netflix is moving aggressively within the constraints of the timelines and has received special permissions from the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) to begin work on the former fort prior to closing.
Historic Vail Hall on the Avenue of Memories (Route 537), which Netflix plans to reuse, has been cleared out in work that began last summer. This year, Netflix will demolish 88 obsolete buildings, removing over a million square feet of debris.
While it continues to seek approvals for Phase 1A, Netflix is already planning the next construction phase – the remaining eight soundstages in Eatontown – with the goal of presenting that to Eatontown this summer.
“Significant administrative work remains,” cautioned Sarah Giberson, FMERA’s director of Real Estate Development & Marketing.
According to the new Netflix website, “Many factors, including approval processes with state, county, and local municipalities, will determine when the studio will open for business. We are working diligently through the entitlement process and look forward to soon bringing productions to Fort Monmouth.”
The site links to the 2022 state press release formally announcing Netflix’s intention to construct the production studio, its second largest after New Mexico, across portions of Eatontown and Oceanport. The former 100-year-old U.S. Army base totals 1,126 acres in Eatontown, Oceanport and Tinton Falls. The latter was mostly built out or accounted for by the time Netflix entered the picture in 2021.
“New Jersey has top-notch crews, talent and a vibrant creative sector, which we intend to tap into and further enrich,” the website states. “We are committed and ready to build relationships in the community, while thoughtfully engaging with local leaders to discover how Netflix can contribute in the areas that matter most to our neighbors across the Garden State. While we have more work to accomplish before construction can begin, we look forward to continued collaboration with the community as we build a world-class production facility.”
Highlighting its work to date in the area, a section of the website about Community Partners notes the Fulfill Food Bank of Monmouth County, Count Basie Center for the Arts and the company’s participation in veterans’ programs, among others. The post includes a photo of retired Monmouth County Commissioner Lillian G. Burry, who for over a decade, was instrumental in FMERA’s work finding new uses for the fort. Burry also supported veterans programs throughout her career.
The only option to communicate with Netflix through the website comes under the “Frequently Asked Questions” tab. The last FAQ gives an email address for vendors and construction contractors to submit inquiries. The spokesperson said the company is ready for what’s expected to be an avalanche of correspondence.
The Netflix Newsroom tab leads to the streaming service’s programming announcements and a deeper dive into company information, including profiles of the leadership team, information on careers, and more.
The article originally appeared in the January 30 – February 5, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
