Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority Concentrates on Environmental Concerns

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) held their monthly meeting at Maple Place School in Oceanport on Wednesday, March 16.

Members of the FMERA include Chairman, James Gorman, as well as members of the Audit, Real Estate, Environmental Staff Advisory, Housing Staff Advisory, and Veterans Staff Advisory Committees. Also in attendance was Oceanport’s Mayor Michael J. Mahon, as well as Eatontown’s Mayor Gerald Tarantolo.  

The treasurer announced that they are budget for the first two months of the fiscal year, and continue to strictly monitor spending.

The FMERA has had many meetings with the Matrix Design Group, the private company hired to assist in planning the infrastructure of the Fort Monmouth territory.

Frank Cosentino, the Executive Director, announced to the public that the draft business plan was reviewed and sent back to Matrix Design on Feb. 28 with comments.

The business plan pays particular attention to the environmental concerns, which are significant early on in the transition, Consentino noted.

In addition to formal meetings every month, Matrix Design has been hosting weekly conference calls every week to update the staff.

“The process is thorough and continuing on a time frame we laid out for them,” Consentino said.

Consentino also mentioned the collective efforts made by local government officials in supporting the two year extension request made to the Federal Government for Fort Monmouth.

Otis Jones reported on the recent meetings and tours with prospective businesses indicating that access to the base is essential. Businesses including financial markets, technology sectors and educational services need to be able to see the property, Jones added, and so far they have had a “good degree of traffic.”

The FMERA also indicated that they are continuing to understand the nature and extent of the environmental concerns, including areas that have been supplied with "no further action" letters.

Matrix Design Group will continue to assist the FMERA in deciding whether or not "no further action" letters can be issued, or whether further action needs to be taken.

The Environmental Staff Advisory Committee has met every month; their next meeting is scheduled for April. The ESAC has developed a mission statement. When questioned  about the recent legislation, the Waiver Rule, the ESAC will develop an answer for the next meeting.

Besides the environmental aspect of the meeting, the housing authority also provided important information regarding HUD’s approval for housing. With a 20 percent affordable housing requirement in the plan, the Housing Staff Advisory Committee said that it is difficult to secure contracts when the property is not yet available.

Lillian Burry of the Veterans Staff Advisory Committee expressed her mission to revitalizing the existing Fort Monmouth facilities in order to create a Veteran’s center which will include a clinic.  Burry hopes the clinic will turn into a “first class hospital for Veterans, retirees, and active duty.”

Chairman  Gorman feels that all authorities need to work together with the FMERA in order to provide the best results in the coming years.

FMERA’s next meeting is scheduled for April 20 at the Eatontown Municipal Building.