COMMUNITY BUS TOUR OFFERS RESIDENTS BIRDS-EYE VIEW OF FORT REDEVELOPMENT

EATONTOWN, NJ – The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) yesterday held its inaugural community bus tour, offering 60 residents an opportunity to visit the former military installation and learn more about the redevelopment effort.  The tour showcased the 1,126-acre property, which spans parts of Eatontown, Oceanport and Tinton Falls.  

“The FMERA team recognizes how vitally important it is to keep area residents informed and engaged in the redevelopment process,” FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman said. “The bus tour is a key part of that effort, allowing the public to see and hear firsthand how FMERA is working to bring jobs and investment to the region.”   

In August 2010, Governor Chris Christie signed into law the “Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority Act,” creating FMERA and charging it with advancing the Reuse and Redevelopment Plan authored by FMERA’s predecessor agency, the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority.  The 20-year Reuse Plan emphasizes the expeditious creation of jobs, encourages economic growth in the region, and strives to balance development with the protection and enrichment of natural resources.   

Margot MacPherson, a Tinton Falls resident, participated in the tour and noted that her husband is interested in opening a small business in the area.   

“As a resident of Tinton Falls and a member of the Monmouth County Business Community, I am happy to see that there is a positive vision for the Fort’s redevelopment. It was great to hear that there is a focused effort to replace lost jobs and create a sense of community through various types of development,” MacPherson said.   

Due to the capacity of the buses, space on the tour was limited.  FMERA expects to schedule a second tour in the coming months.  Please visit www.fortmonmouthredevelopment.com for information on upcoming events and to learn more about the redevelopment effort.