FMERA Mulling Proposals for Howard Commons, Officer Housing Properties

The April 17 Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) meeting has been cancelled at the group continues to evaluate proposals for the sale of two large pieces of property.

"Although there will not be a meeting of the Authority in April, the FMERA Board of Directors and staff are working on several ongoing matters, including the evaluation of proposals for the Howard Commons Area in Eatontown and the Officer Housing in Oceanport in accordance with the Authority's Sales Rules," a notice on FMERA's web site states.

Proposals for both properties have already been submitted and FMERA is expected to choose a developer for Howard Commons in either June or July. An Officer Housing Developer will likely be selected later this summer, as proposals were only submitted on April 1.

Howard Commons is an aged, dilapidated housing development off Pinebrook Road ready for demolition because its homes don't meet current building safety codes. It consists of 486-townhouse style residential units in 52 buildings built in 1952 that may contain non-friable asbestos and lead-based paint.

The approximately 64-acre parcel is intended to be developed into housing, as shown in the Fort Monmouth Reuse and Redevelopment Plan.

The Officers Housing is intended for residential reuse as envisioned by the Fort Monmouth Reuse and Redevelopment Plan.

The next FMERA Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m., and will be held at the Tinton Falls Municipal Building, 556 Tinton Ave.