Netflix Gets The OK From Eatontown To Begin Studio Construction

EATONTOWN, NJ — Earlier this month, the Oceanport Planning Board gave their stamp of approval for Netflix to begin building movie studio lots on the former Fort Monmouth site. And now, at their meeting Monday night, the Eatontown Planning Board did the same.

"We are pleased that the Eatontown Planning Board sanctioned plans for Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth’s first phase, and we look forward to our continued collaboration with local officials and the community to bring this studio to life," said a Netflix spokesman in a statement released late Monday night, just hours after the Planning Board gave their approval.

The state of New Jersey already granted Netflix millions in tax breaks if they keep the studios open and in operation for at least the next 10 years.

What is happening now is Netflix has to get a series of approvals at the local level. Next, Netflix has to get approval from the Monmouth County Planning Board. No date is set for when the county will hear their application, said the Netflix spokesman.

What Netflix plans to build first at Fort Monmouth is four soundstages, each 22,000 square feet and about 70 feet tall. Each soundstage will be numbered 1-4.

Construction will not start until the fourth quarter of 2025, or even early 2026.

In November, members of the Oceanport Planning/Zoning Board raised a lot of concerns about Netflix running a 24/7, around-the-clock film studio at the former Army base: Oceanport said they were worried about noise, traffic, outdoor filming and intrusive lighting glaring into residents' homes — especially during the overnight filming Netflix plans to do on site.

There seemed to be comparatively less pushback and drama at the Eatontown Planning Board meeting Monday night.

Filming is done inside a soundstage, which are designed to be soundproof. If all goes as planned, Netflix may develop all 200 acres of Fort Monmouth, and turn Fort Monmouth into its East Coast filming headquarters, with a total of 12 soundstages on site.

Oceanport Planning Board Approves First 4 Netflix Film Studios (Dec. 3)