Fort Monmouth’s Marina at Oceanport sold to restaurant operator

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority sold the Marina at Oceanport, on the eastern-most portion of Fort Monmouth’s Main Post, to Asbury Park Development Partners and subsequently transferred it to restaurant operator Mario Criscione, FREMA announced March 29.

The Marina at Oceanport has been open since 2015 under an operator’s agreement with FMERA. The sale happened on March 25.

The marina parcel is an approximately four-acre parcel that contains a 71-slip marina and boat launch ramp at Oceanport Creek, a restaurant, and off-street parking. The adjacent 80-acre parcel, known as 400 Area, will serve as the neighborhood center of Oceanport’s redevelopment.

FMERA anticipates issuing a Request for Offers to Purchase for the 400 Area sometime in the next year.

The restaurant at Marina at Oceanport has indoor seating at tables for approximately 52 people and additional seating at a bar inside the facility, as well as outdoor seating overlooking the water that can accommodate 60 more.

During the pandemic, the Marina is offering tented, outdoor seating for approximately 60 diners, equipped with heaters and social-distancing precautions in place. It expects to roll up the walls of its tent in the coming months and expand outdoor dining to include dog-friendly tables.

Additionally, the restaurant has boat slips available at its easternmost piers, closest to the public boat launch.

Criscione said in a prepared statement that he was thrilled to take ownership of the property that he’s been operating for the past several years.

“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,” said FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman in a prepared statement. “Additionally, the Marina will contribute to the local economy, furthering FMERA’s mission and bringing highly-anticipated tax revenue into the Borough.”

The redevelopment of the former military installation Fort Monmouth is to repurpose it, create jobs, and catalyze economic growth in the three host municipalities of Tinton Falls, Eatontown, and Oceanport.

In the past two years, several residential projects have been completed across the Fort including East Gate and Liberty Walk by RPM Development in Oceanport, and Anthem Place, by Lennar in Tinton Falls. Numerous others, including Patriots Square, by Lennar in Tinton Falls are in various stages of development.

“With over 400 homes activated across the Fort, we’re excited that residents can take advantage of dining locally with a view,” said FMERA Marketing & Development Manager Sarah Giberson in a prepared statement.