Netflix in NJ? Streaming giant bids on Fort Monmouth property

After months of buzz, Netflix has officially entered a bid on a sprawling property at Fort Monmouth.

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority has been overseeing plans to develop the nearly 300-acre property known as the “Mega Parcel,” spanning parts of Eatontown and Oceanport, since the U.S. Army base officially closed in September 2011.

A total of four bids were received by the Monday deadline, the panel announced.

While the Mega Parcel had been appraised for $54 million as of October, according to FMERA, — no further bid details would be announced as the evaluation process began.

If the streaming giant's proposal is ultimately chosen, the Monmouth County site would become Netflix's second largest production facility behind a New Mexico property, as previously reported by the New York Times.

This past fall, Netflix also opened a new production facility across the Hudson River — in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, as reported by Brooklyn Eagle.

The other Fort Monmouth bids were submitted by Extell Acquisitions, Mega Parcel Development and RDR Partners.

RDR Partners involves stake-holders Russo Development, Dinallo Development and River Development Equities - while Extell Development Company is a New York based real estate company.

Mega Parcel Development was filed with state officials in January, with Joseph Saadia as its registered agent.

Film TV studio plans in Newark (Rendering courtesy of HLW)

NJ reclaiming movie 'roots'?

“America’s first movie studio was in New Jersey, and today it’s home to many talented people working in entertainment,” Netflix said in a statement back in October, as reported by Bloomberg.

In late May, New Jersey announced a major film and TV production facility has been confirmed for Essex County, not far from Newark Liberty International Airport.

“We’re not just committed to making film and television production a core driver of our economy, we are actively restoring our historic place in a world-class location," Gov. Phil Murphy said at the time.

That project involves Great Point Studios, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Lionsgate.

Murphy signed legislation four years ago, reinstating New Jersey’s film tax credit program.

As of March, about 86% of Fort Monmouth’s total 1,126 acres was either sold, under contract, in negotiations or entering the request for proposals process, as reported by NJBiz.

Erin Vogt is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach her at erin.vogt@townsquaremedia.com

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From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

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I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

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