A shovel will soon touch Fort Monmouths soil, last week FMERA announced the sale of the historic officer housing units in Oceanport to RPM Development Group. This is the first phase 2 property sold since FMERA closed with the US Army in November 2016.

Fort Monmouth has some big plans in the near future; the jersey shore will have a new addition to it's family.  FMERA is looking to add jobs, shopping, dining and lodging. FMERA executives want to make Fort Monmouth the biggest hot spot down the jersey shore.

Recently FMERA executives opened up The Avenue of Memories to the public. The Avenue of Memories connects from Route 35 to Oceanport Avenue. While motorist drive along The Avenue of Memories they can see the redevelopment action around Fort Monmouth.  Fort Monmouth will soon rise from the ashes and will be considered the diamond of Monmouth County.

Fort Monmouth's New Plans: Photo Credit Christopher Scali
Fort Monmouth's New Plans: Photo Credit Christopher Scali
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Executive Director Bruce Steadman made a strong point during our interview; he said, “Talk is Cheap.”

“You go to some of these shows in Vegas, LA or different parts of the world; you can hear almost anything you want about this project is going here and $500 million is going to spent here. 90% of those projects never happen because they’re still in the marketing stage. “

Chris Palle: Co-Founder of TetherView Joint Venture Partner and VI Collaboration Hub. (Photo Credit: Chris Scali)
Chris Palle: Co-Founder of TetherView Joint Venture Partner and VI Collaboration Hub. (Photo Credit: Chris Scali)
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So how will Fort Monmouth become that shiny diamond? Remember when Convalt Energy finished? well that was just the beginning.

“So when you can stand and look at the Convalt building, you knew that it was serious. You knew that they invested their money, the talk was over and they got started. That’s what people were really waiting for.”

FMERA Chairman James V. Gorman. (Photo Credit: Christopher Scali)
FMERA Chairman James V. Gorman. (Photo Credit: Christopher Scali)
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So the first building that comes down, the first shovel that hits the ground and the first paint slap that hits one the new buildings; that’s what going to get people excited.  I asked Steadman would Fort Monmouth compare to other shore towns like Asbury Park or Red Bank.

“I can’t think to far outside of the box, I try to think a little out of the box but not to far because that gets me in trouble. So what I could tell you is this.  We have 1,100 acres that people like, it’s a great location, we probably had 600 tours and I don’t remember anyone who didn’t like it, they all like it.”

Everyone who visits wants to be here and they’re all looking for a reason to come back. Steadman says New Jersey is located perfectly on the coast in terms of climate and proximity. Jersey is close to big cities such as Manhattan and beach communities.

Lee Zerkaria- VP of Paramount Realty. (Photo Credit Chris Scali)
Lee Zerkaria- VP of Paramount Realty. (Photo Credit Chris Scali)
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Over the years the New Jersey economy was hit hard over these past couple of years.

“If we can do our part and replace those 5,000 jobs and maybe double that to 10,000 jobs we can provide these towns; Tinton Falls, Oceanport with significant tax revenue.”

What can help mold Fort Monmouth into the dream that we all expect it to be. I asked Steadman about the younger generation such as the Millennials and Generation X. They’re all looking for new playground to possibly buy a home and raise a family.

“I am very fortunate to have people on our staff  that are in your generation that understand, that generation better than I do. How you think, what you think is important and they believe it’s going to be a terrific place.”

David E. Nuse: Deputy Executive Director and Director of Real Estate Development for FMERA
David E. Nuse: Deputy Executive Director and Director of Real Estate Development for FMERA
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There’s going to be such a great mix inside Fort Monmouth says Steadman. Fort Monmouth has Convault Energy, which is the highest end of high-tech energy, a new church, top of the line retail stores and new homes.

Steadman says it has been an exciting revitalization project, he’s looking forward to the next couple of years. If you’re driving along Fort Monmouth expect some new architecture in 2017.

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