Netflix has emerged as the lead bidder to purchase a 289-acre tract of land at the former Fort Monmouth Army base in Monmouth County, where the company plans to build a large production complex.
The company said in a statement Wednesday that there is “still work to be done” on the deal with state and local leaders. Netflix officials said the company is the “preferred choice for the Fort Monmouth development project is our proposal for a state-of-the-art production complex.”
“If our plans are approved, we hope to build a facility that will create significant economic impact and job growth for New Jersey, a state loaded with creative talent and technical expertise,” a Netflix spokesperson said.
Netflix did not disclose the dollar amount of their bid, but said if it’s signed, possibly in the next few months, it’ll be subject to another period of due diligence and approvals from an assortment of local, county and state approvals.
“Governor Murphy is delighted to hear that Netflix is interested in establishing a serious presence in New Jersey,” The governor’s office said in a statement to NJ Advance Media. “He looks forward to working with them and the rest of the industry to create good-paying jobs and spur economic growth throughout the state.”
The former base, which closed in 2011 after nearly 100 years of military activity, is being redeveloped by the Fort Monmouth Revitalization Authority, or FMERA.
The agency accepted bids for the tract, which they call the “Mega Parcel,” until June.
Three other companies that submitted bids were Extell Acquisitions LLC, Mega Parcel Development LLC and RDR Partners LLC – which includes three other LLC’s, Russo Development, Dinallo Development and River Development.
The former base occupied land in Eatontown and Oceanport, and now incorporates Oceanport’s Horseneck Development District and its 100,000-square-foot McAfee Center. It also includes Fort Monmouth’s historic district.
Any development, FMERA has said, will include the preservation of Fort Monmouth’s parade grounds, World War II Memorial and Cowan Park.
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