From left: Gerard Scharfenberger of the Monmouth County Planning Board; Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority Executive Director Bruce Steadman; FMERA Deputy Executive Director and Director of Real Estate Development David E. Nuse; Lillian G. Burry of the Monmouth County Planning Board; and Amber Delaney and Michael Hong of RPM Development Group.
By Joshua Burd
Monmouth County officials have recognized RPM Development Group for its role in transforming the historic Fort Monmouth property, following the opening of its 68-unit residential project at a historic officers housing complex.
The developer recently received the 2018 Planning Merit Award from the county planning board, which cited its efforts at the project known as East Gate. Made up of townhomes, duplexes and single-family homes, the project debuted early last summer and has brought the first new residents to the 1,226-acre former Army base.
“We pride ourselves on an ability to work closely with local officials and municipalities to create high-quality housing that meets the needs of the community-at-large and provides significant benefits to its residents,” said Michael Hong, assistant vice president of development at RPM. “This was particularly true at East Gate. With the help and guidance from the planning board and officials from the Borough of Oceanport, we were able to responsibly repurpose the property into modern homes while maintaining the historical integrity of its existing building.
“The end result is a new community the entire region can be proud of. We’re honored the Monmouth County Planning Board chose East Gate for this important award.”
East Gate is the first residential component in the Fort Monmouth redevelopment. RPM officially welcomed the initial residents to the neighborhood early last fall, helping the state advance its plan to reposition the fort as a community with upscale homes and lifestyle amenities and services.
Fewer than 10 homes are available in the current inventory at East Gate, RPM said, noting that the remaining units are priced from the $500,000s to the mid-$700,000s.
“We don’t expect to release the next phase of homes until early 2019, making this the final opportunity to purchase a home with occupancy date in the first quarter of next year,” Hong said. “This has created a high level of urgency from buyers who wish to be residing in this special new community as soon as possible.”
Move-ins set to begin at first new housing at Fort Monmouth property
