By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
FORT MONMOUTH – Flexibility is on the agenda as Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) members continue meeting with Eatontown officials to explore alternative scenarios for the future of Suneagles Golf Course.
After no qualified bidders came forth in response to FMERA’s Request for Offers to Purchase (RFOTP), fort planners are willing to tweak the parameters of their original vision for the 171-acre property, which includes the 37,125 square-foot historic fort officers club, Gibbs Hall. Opened in 1926 on land owned by Max Phillips of the Phillips Van Heusen Clothing Company, the 18-hole golf course was designed by A. W. Tillinghast. The parcel also includes two hard surface tennis courts, an outdoor pool, pro shop and sports bar.
A 150-room, 20,000 square-foot hotel/conference center envisioned for the site could be an obstacle discouraging bidders and is being reconsidered. Speaking at FMERA’s monthly meeting on May 18, Executive Director Bruce Steadman said the agency will issue a new RFOTP updating its failed predecessor, based on a blueprint created some ten years ago.
“Our plan was different then,” Steadman said. “The hotel community is reluctant because traffic isn’t coming here now to stay overnight. The property itself doesn’t lend itself to a resort center. Hotels obey main paths so this isn’t a great location. We hope to have progress on a new RFOTP in June.” In recent months, FMERA officials have stressed that if a potential bidder comes forth with a viable alternative plan for a fort site, they will consider it.
Meanwhile, negotiations continue between FMERA and the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders on a fiscal plan by Freeholder Lillian Burry, the county’s FMERA representative, to finance the purchase of Fort Monmouth from the U.S. Army, which still owns it. As the Two River Times first reported in April, the Monmouth County Improvement Authority, a semi-autonomous agency with members appointed by the freeholders, would back bonds, allowing FMERA to purchase the remaining fort parcels from the Army for a single payment of $33 million. About $10 million would be paid back by FMERA by year’s end through proceeds from the sale of three Oceanport parcels currently in the works, and pay back the entire loan over seven years.
“Meetings are ongoing with the freeholders, the Improvement Authority, and FMERA as we are still working on the conditions of county involvement,” Burry said on May 23. “It’s a contract so we are finalizing the commitments on each side. Once we have an agreement, the freeholders will vote. I fully anticipate it will all fall into place.”
Earlier this month, the freeholders recognized FMERA for its economic development efforts, including creating jobs and housing, noting its “success in finding commercial businesses that believe there are opportunities to revitalize Fort Monmouth.”
“The time for lamenting the fort’s closing is over,” said Freeholder Director Thomas Arnone. “FMERA’s efforts have shown that Fort Monmouth can be transformed into a totally different use. Its ambitious goals will benefit county taxpayers. The goal is to convert this base into a planned community that will be unique in New Jersey.” More than 5,600 jobs were lost or transferred out of the state after the Army opted to close the fort in 2005. Burry said the mixed-use strategy outlined by the original fort redevelopment plan is working. She said the biggest success to date is the relocation of data management company CommVault, with over 900 employees working at the new 650,000 square-foot facility in Tinton Falls. When completed, CommVault’s new world headquarters will employ more than 2,500.
“Those who thought this property would turn into a ghost town were wrong,” Burry said. “Now, instead of a setback, FMERA sees the redevelopment project as a huge opportunity.” The authority’s goal is to develop 1,585 housing units, 300,000 square-feet of nonprofit, civic, government, and educational space; 500,000 square-feet of retail; and 2 million square-feet devoted to offices, research, and other commercial uses; and open/recreation space.
“Everything we do sets a precedent,” said FMERA Chairman James V. Gorman. “I don’t like the delays but I can understand it. We’ll get there.” A public comment period on the fort’s conveyance ends on May 31. Both county and FMERA officials expressed confidence the deal will be finalized by this fall.
In other news, the public is invited to attend Flag Day ceremonies on Fort Monmouth Tuesday, June 14. Details will be available at fortmonmouthnj.com.
Caption: The historic Gibbs Hall, the former Fort Monmouth Officers Club that can accommodate up to 600 persons for events, is part of a 171-acre property that will soon be re-offered for sale.
Photo courtesy FMERA
