FMERA Will Continue to Run Suneagles Golf Course

By Christopher Sheldon

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) says it is committed to operating Suneagles Golf Course in Eatontown after it recently rescinded a lease to operator Atlantic Golf Management.

"FMERA is committed to operating the golf course and associated amenities through the rest of this season, the winter (weather-permitting), next season, and the years beyond," FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman said in a note on the authority's web site. "Notwithstanding our current lease with the Army, any future sale of the golf course, and the status of our existing operating agreement, FMERA will maintain Suneagles as a top-notch local golf course at the level and condition that our members and guests are accustomed to."

FMERA awarded a contract to the former operator of the club, Atlantic Golf Management, on Feb. 20 for and 18-month, $250,000 contract. The other management company, Meticulous Golf Management (MGM), challenged the bid on March 15 and FMERA chose to rescind the contract in August.

The board agreed to draft a new request for proposals (RFP) for the property based.

Suneagles is also up for sale. When the property transfers from the Army to a new owner, proceeds will be split between the Army and FMERA. FMERA by law is required to reinvest its profits back into the redevelopment of the fort.

Steadman said the property will likely go on sale within the next few months. 

Steadman said FMERA's current goal is to "keep current members and attract new ones as we prepare for the 2013 fall, winter, and 2014 season."

"FMERA will ensure that all memberships entered into for the 2013/2014 season will be honored for the entire season," Steadman said.

At a recent Eatontown Council meeting, Steadman said the original plan to build a hotel/conference center on the golf course would likely not happen for economic and geological reasons.

He said there is no market for hotels or conference centers at this time and that the land is not suitable for building one.

"It's our intention that the land will be a golf course forever," Steadman said.

Steadman said that the McGill Circle Housing area where some Hurricane Sandy victims are being housed will remain. He said the housing will be packed in the request for offers to purchase (RFOTP) for the property as separate parcel.

He said about 31 people are still living in the housing units, but that people are beginning to leave and find "long-term housing options."