Streaming giant Netflix is doubling down on its East Coast ambitions, forging ahead with plans to construct a sprawling production facility on the hallowed grounds of a decommissioned New Jersey army base.

The proposed $903 million project, earmarked for Fort Monmouth in Monmouth County, has garnered initial approval from Governor Phil Murphy’s administration and a key local board. However, the road to production remains paved with permits, as Netflix must navigate a complex approval process before cameras can roll.

From Military Base to Media Hub

Netflix emerged victorious in 2021 after bidding a cool $55 million for a 289-acre “mega-parcel” of the former Fort Monmouth. The proposed studio complex, situated near the Jersey Shore and adjacent to Route 35, will encompass a significant chunk of the reimagined base. Notably, the development plans meticulously preserve the site’s historic landmarks, including the World War II Memorial and iconic parade grounds.

Fort Monmouth boasts a rich military legacy, having served as the birthplace of FM radio and a hub for groundbreaking communication advancements since its 1917 inception. The base’s closure in 2011 saw the relocation of over 5,000 military and civilian jobs to Maryland, leaving a void ripe for reinvention.

A Production Powerhouse Takes Shape

Last month, the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) greenlit an amendment outlining Netflix’s vision for the site. The entertainment giant envisions a production behemoth featuring 12 soundstages sprawling across nearly 500,000 square feet. The facility will also boast production and office spaces, a cafeteria, retail outlets, and dedicated areas for studio trailers.

But that’s not all. Aspiring auteurs can expect a helipad, a theater, a hotel, visitor attractions, and even swimming tanks specifically designed for aquatic film productions.

Gubernatorial Greenlight and Beyond

Netflix’s New Jersey dreams received a significant boost in November when Governor Murphy himself endorsed the project. Murphy, alongside state leaders and Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, approved minutes from the FMERA detailing initial reuse plans for Fort Monmouth.

This was followed by the FMERA board’s unanimous approval of the aforementioned amendment, which charted Netflix’s course for utilizing the former military site. The approval process incorporated a 45-day window for public comment, allowing local residents and Monmouth County officials to voice their concerns and suggestions.

The Bureaucratic Hurdle

Despite the initial green lights, Netflix faces a complex permitting gauntlet before construction commences. First, Governor Murphy must officially approve the FMERA board’s site reuse vote. Subsequently, Netflix needs to secure site plan approvals from local planning boards in the boroughs of Oceanport and Eatontown, where the studio will reside.

Obtaining these approvals will pave the way for applications for state and county permits, finally triggering the construction phase. The project itself will be divided into two phases, with an eight-year deadline for completion after the deal’s finalization.

Not Without Its Reservations

While Governor Murphy’s administration champions the project’s potential to transform New Jersey into the “Hollywood of the East,” not everyone is enamored with the prospect of a major studio complex disrupting the tranquility of suburban Monmouth County.

Residents and local officials expressed concerns regarding traffic congestion, noise pollution, building heights, environmental impact, and lighting during the public comment period. Additionally, some residents, particularly those in Oceanport, raised anxieties about the potential strain on emergency services.

FMERA officials acknowledged these concerns, although many fall outside the scope of the recently approved amendment. The local planning boards are expected to address these issues comprehensively as they review Netflix’s detailed plans. The project will also need to comply with stringent environmental regulations outlined by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Lights, Camera, Action (Eventually)

If all goes according to plan, the New Jersey production facility will be one of Netflix’s biggest undertakings, rivaling its sprawling 300-acre studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The project promises a significant economic boon, with Netflix estimating the creation of 3,500 jobs during construction and roughly 1,400 permanent positions at the operational studio.

The economic impact is projected to range between $3.8 billion and $4.6 billion over a 20-year period, making this a potentially transformative venture for New Jersey. As Netflix awaits the next bureaucratic hurdle, the once-quiet corridors of Fort Monmouth could soon be echoing with the sounds of Hollywood magic.