FMERA Board Authorizes Entrance into PSARA with Monmouth County Park System for Parcel F-3 in Tinton Falls

At its February meeting, the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) Board approved entrance into a Purchase and Sale Agreement & Redevelopment Agreement (PSARA) with Monmouth County for the sale and redevelopment of Parcel F-3 in the Tinton Falls Reuse Area.

The approximately 3.5-acre property contains the 1,335-square-foot former Shopette Building and Gas Station, constructed in 1970, as well as the accompanying paved and parking areas. Although the Fort Monmouth Reuse and Redevelopment Plan calls for the reuse of the building as a gas station/convenience store, FMERA envisioned that the property could be used as commercial or open space or in a recreational capacity. This was reflected in the Request for Offers to Purchase issued for the parcel in February 2015, and Monmouth County’s redevelopment proposal is in line with this vision.

Monmouth County’s proposed site plan for Parcel F-3, adjacent to the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center in Tinton Falls

Monmouth County, through the Monmouth County Park System, provides 15,940 acres of open space, park and recreation areas. As part of its recreation initiatives, Monmouth County has operated the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, which is adjacent to Parcel F-3, since 2013.

Monmouth County intends to acquire the F-3 parcel to provide additional open space to the community, as well as facilities to provide additional support to the recreation area. Specifically, Monmouth County’s proposal includes expanding the parking facilities to accommodate the adjacent Recreation Center property, adding additional storage facilities to support events, create a dedicated maintenance facility to service the area, and restoring wetlands on-site with an elevated boardwalk to allow for an outdoor classroom.

“As part of its recreation efforts, Monmouth County has operated the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center  since August 2014,” Executive Director Bruce Steadman said. “Through the Recreation Center, the Monmouth County Park System has, to date, provided more than 500 programs, classes and events, contributing to the ’play’ aspect of FMERA’s plan to create a live-work-play environment here on the Fort. In addition, combined with the adjacent recreation center and pool parcel, the project would result in the creation of 38 full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs at Fort Monmouth within 36 months of closing.”

Note: FMERA Board action is subject to a ten (10) day veto period by the Governor.