The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority said it is moving forward on plans to redevelop the 1,126-acre U.S. Army base that is scheduled to close in September, after assessments and recommendations were made recently by a consulting firm.

The three-part overview addressed necessary planning, engineering, architectural and environmental consulting services; environmental status and a business plan for the base. It “will provide FMERA a foundation for negotiating the transfer of property with the Army, and a road map for the management of the redevelopment project over the next 10 plus years,” said Bruce Steadman, the authority’s executive director, in a statement.

In its overview, which was presented to the authority on April 20, consultant Matrix Design Group said the buildings on the 94-year-old Fort Monmouth base, which is scheduled to close in September, were mostly built prior to the 1970s and were in good condition. Building interiors, however, generally needed upgrading, while mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems required replacement.

The reuse potential for the housing on the base—which covers parts of Eatontown, Oceanport and Tinton Falls—was assessed as good, although some renovations to meet current codes will be required at most units, the firm said. Office and laboratory buildings also were said to be in good condition, but will require additional investment to be reused.

Other challenges that Matrix addressed in its presentation included potential problems meeting future potable water demand with the fort’s existing capacity; the base being prone to flooding during heavy rainstorms, and major electrical system components at the end of their service life.

The firm also addressed environmental concerns, including the presence of asbestos and lead-based paint in most buildings, although there was no unique military contamination present on the site.

Matrix also presented an implementation plan that would begin this year, and include the transfer of parcels on the base from the U.S. Army to FMERA, environmental clean up and permitting; and the creation of an infrastructure master plan and sales and leasing marketing plan.

E-mail Evelyn Lee at [email protected]