The Marina at Oceanport on the former Fort Monmouth property — Courtesy: Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority
By Joshua Burd
The operator of a marina and restaurant property at Fort Monmouth has acquired the parcel, following approval by the agency leading the redevelopment of the former U.S. Army post.
The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority announced Monday that it has transferred the four-acre Marina at Oceanport to Asbury Park Development Partners. The buyer is now touting additional plans for the property, located at Oceanport and Riverside avenues in the Oceanport section of the fort, having operated the 71-slip marina and restaurant since 2015 under an agreement with the state agency.
FMERA’s sale took place on March 25.
“We are thrilled to take ownership of the property that we have been operating these past several years and have exciting plans for The Marina at Oceanport as our community begins to recover from the pandemic,” said Mario Criscione, a restaurateur and member of the buying group.
Located on the easternmost portion of the fort’s main post, the marina parcel also includes a boat launch ramp at Oceanport Creek and off-street parking, FMERA said. The site is adjacent to the roughly 80-acre parcel known as 400 Area, which will serve as the neighborhood center of Oceanport’s redevelopment and which the agency will put up for sale within the next year.
FMERA noted that the marina was severely damaged in Hurricane Sandy and subsequently renovated, before reopening in 2015 under the agreement between FMERA and Criscione. The restaurant has indoor seating at tables for more than 50 patrons and additional seating at a bar inside the facility, as well as outdoor seating overlooking the water that can accommodate another 60 patrons.
The marina also offers entertainment options, including trivia night, karaoke and live music, FMERA said. While indoor dining and entertainment have been temporarily scaled back due to the pandemic, the venue has offered expanded outdoor dining and expects to resume live music outdoors.
“The sale of the Marina brings another excellent business to the borough of Oceanport and contributes to our vision for a walkable community, complete with amenities that will contribute to an appealing quality of life at Fort Monmouth and the community at large,” FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman said. “Additionally, the Marina will contribute to the local economy, furthering FMERA’s mission and bringing highly anticipated tax revenue into the borough.”
The FMERA board approved a purchase and sale and redevelopment agreement with Asbury Park Development Partners for the marina parcel in 2018.
“With over 400 homes activated across the Fort, we’re excited that residents can take advantage of dining locally with a view,” said Sarah Giberson, FMERA’s marketing and development manager.
