By Christopher Sheldon
The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) has been authorized to enter into exclusive negotiations with Hovnanian to develop Howard Commons, a parcel of the fort that lies within Eatontown.
Hovnanian, one of the nation's largest home builders, was chosen out of six developers because it received the highest score on FMERA's evaluation committee.
The developer has proposed to demolish the existing housing at Howard Commons and construct 275 two- and three-bedroom for-sale townhomes. Twenty percent of the homes will be reserved as affordable housing.
The Eatontown Council has expressed a desire to have owner-occupied units at Howard Commons and its other Fort Monmouth locations, and got its wish with Hovnanian's proposal.
The plan will also include a retail development at the corner of Hope Road and Pinebrook Road and 20.4 acres of open space and public recreation amenities.
There are currently 486 townhouse units built by the Army in 1953 and a large general purpose building at Howard Commons. The Fort Monmouth Reuse and Redevelopment Plan calls for the demolition of the homes and general purpose building.
Hovnanian will demolish the buildings once it closes on the property and it requires all the necessary approvals.
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