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Politics & Government

Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority Selects Professional Planning Consultant

FMERA board says choosing planner will establish solid foundation as Army post is redeveloped.

 The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) has approved the selection of a professional planning consultant, Phillips Preiss Grygiel LLC of Hoboken, NJ.  The consultant will provide planning services to FMERA including the preparation of design guidelines, zoning maps and land use regulations.  In addition, at its last meeting in May, the FMERA board also set forth procedures for leasing space at the fort once the land transfer from the Army is complete.
 
“The steps taken by this board can be compared to putting in place a solid foundation upon which you would build a house,” noted FMERA Board Chairman, James Gorman.  “This is a step toward new jobs and economic vitality.”
 
Seven proposals were evaluated and ranked as part of the professional planning Request for Proposal process.  Phillips Preiss Grygiel, LLC scored highest based on all selection criteria, including price.    
 
Caren Franzini, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), said, “We feel confident the firm chosen to take FMERA through the next steps in the process will be successful in achieving the best results in a cost effective manner.”  EDA provides the staffing to FMERA.
 
Members of the board also approved proposed new rules to govern the lease of property by FMERA.  These rules are intended to provide a transparent process for FMERA to proceed with the reuse and economic revitalization of Fort Monmouth.  
 
FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman emphasized the authority’s commitment to working with the community and added, “These new rules are intended to encourage the use of existing buildings at Fort Monmouth, optimize revenue opportunities to support redevelopment, and prioritize job creation and economic activity at Fort Monmouth.”
 
Signed into law by Governor Chris Christie on Aug. 17, 2010, FMERA was created to provide investment, continuity and economic growth to the communities impacted by the federal government’s decision to close Fort Monmouth.  FMERA replaces the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority and advances that entity’s Reuse and Development Plan for economic development, growth and planning, with a focus on technology-based industries, for the 1,126-acres of real estate at Fort Monmouth following the base closure on Sept. 15, 2011. Chaired by James Gorman, FMERA board members include EDA Chairman Alfred Koeppe, Governor’s Authorities Unit Director Deborah Gramiccioni, Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry, Eatontown Mayor Gerald Tarantolo, Oceanport Mayor Michael Mahon, Tinton Falls Mayor Michael Skudera, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Lori Grifa, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin, New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Harold Wirths, New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner James Simpson, and public members Michael Pane, Esq. and Dr. Robert Lucky.

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