Copyright NJ.com
More than 100 World War II monuments honoring New Jersey’s fallen soldiers are being relocated to make way for a massive Netflix production studio at the former Fort Monmouth Army base. The move is part of roadway improvements as Netflix plans to transform the campus into a sprawling Hollywood-style film and production studio. There are 117 monuments along the Avenue of Memories in Oceanport that honor U.S. Army Signal Corps soldiers who died during World War II. Workers are in the process of relocating them to nearby Cowan Park in Oceanport, which already features a central memorial, a flagpole and two tribute trees, county officials said. “Monmouth County has always taken great pride in honoring our veterans,” County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that the memory of the U.S. Army Signal Corps soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice continues to be recognized with the honor and respect they deserve.” Netflix began work earlier this month on the Avenue of Memories, which runs along the perimeter of its property. The project will include new sidewalks, a wider roadway, added shoulders and a dedicated center turn lane to improve traffic flow and safety. Each memorial will be carefully moved to the nearby park to preserve its historical significance, according to Arnone. “The County has worked closely with Netflix, local officials, and veterans’ organizations to ensure that this transition is handled with the utmost care and attention,” he added. “Each memorial will be carefully moved and reinstalled to preserve its historical integrity and significance.” The transition is expected to take several weeks. Once complete, a rededication ceremony will honor the fallen soldiers and commemorate the memorials’ new home, he added. Other historic areas of Fort Monmouth, including the parade grounds, will also be preserved, studio officials said. It is just a small part of Netflix’s larger $903 million Fort Monmouth studio project. Once finished, the 155-acre campus will feature 12 soundstages, office buildings, crew trailer parks, a cafeteria, retail shops, a theater, a hotel and visitor attractions. State officials estimate the project will create more than 3,500 construction jobs and about 1,400 permanent positions, generating up to $4.6 billion for New Jersey’s economy over 20 years. Demolition of the fort began in May, with construction expected to start next year and finish by 2028, officials said. Both the Oceanport and Eatontown planning boards have approved Netflix’s multi-phase development plans, clearing the way for the redevelopment. Established in 1917 as Camp Little Silver, Fort Monmouth played a key role in military communications and technology, including the development of FM radio. Netflix won a $55 million bid in 2021 to acquire the 289-acre “mega-parcel,” which stretches across Oceanport and Eatontown near Route 35. The base officially closed in 2011, with more than 5,000 civilian and military jobs relocated to an Army installation in Maryland.
