FMERA Now Seeking Proposals For Eatontown Veterans Community

By Christopher Sheldon

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) is now seeking proposals for a veterans community that would be built in the Eatontown section of the former fort property.

FMERA issued a request for offers to purchase (RFOTP) for the property on Friday, Sept. 6 and is now looking for developers.

The 10-acre site, which is bordered by Nicodemus, Radio, Wilson and Alexander Avenues, is viewed by FMERA as a community that will offer homeless veterans permanent housing. The RFOTP also states that "veteran's supportive services" will be available once the site is developed. 

The parcel's permitted land uses under the fort's reuse plan are medium density residential, open space/recreation, mixed use, institutional/civic and retail.

Up to 120 medium density residential housing units are allowed on the property and could include stacked flats and apartment buildings with a maximum height of three stories. At least twenty percent of the units must be deemed affordable housing, as well.

The parcel was originally envisioned as open space, so a plan change amendment will be required to advance the veterans project.

Eatontown officials have stated their concerns about the number of housing that may be built at the veterans community. 

FMERA's reuse plan calls for 577 housing units in Eatontown sector of the fort, but some are afraid that number will increase after veterans' housing is added to the property.

The plan states that 275 units will be located at Howard Commons and 302 will be located on Parcel B.