Mayor's Welcome

On behalf of the entire Governing Body, I wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2026!

2025 was a busy year for development in Eatontown.  The project at the Monmouth Mall is continuing to move along with a significant number of commercial shells being constructed, new leases signed and a few residential buildings started.  We should see the overall project take better shape in 2026 with the opening of the Whole Foods supermarket and several new stores.  The connectivity of the site will improve with sidewalks and bike lanes, and its landscaping will be enhanced as well.

After many years of delays, the demolition of the former military housing along Pinebrook Road has begun and the redevelopment of Howard Commons is moving forward.  Water line upgrades have been installed which will enhance water service in the area.  Storm drains have been cleared and the new development will improve the drainage of the area.  In total, 275 new housing units will be built, commercial development will be added along Hope Road, the Borough will receive approximately 7 acres of Open Space and Pinebrook Road will be repaved.

The Borough has begun work on the Wampum Lake Dam Rehab Project with the goal of increasing spillway capacity.  The funding for this project has come in large part from a federal grant.  The Borough is seeking additional grant funding for the balance of the project.  While it may not be visible just yet, the Downtown is beginning to change.  We have had several property owners reach out to the Borough looking to enhance their property with new signage and facades as well as make other property improvements.  It has been a slow start, but the other development in the area is driving these owners to invest as well.  The Borough continues to seek grant funding to pave the municipal lots and install more attractive lighting and streetscapes.  

The Borough adopted a PILOT agreement with Netflix which will provide us with access to $47 million for infrastructure projects as well as a defined stream of revenue each year for 30 years.  The Governing Body has expressed its desire to work with the schools to ensure that funding is shared.  In addition to the PILOT, the Borough has entered into a Community Benefits Agreement with Netflix whereby we will receive $5 million in funding for a variety of initiatives around town.  These financial arrangements are very exciting and will bring tremendous opportunity to the Borough over the coming years.  They are ultimately contingent upon the project closing and Netflix taking title to the land at the former Fort Monmouth.  As of the writing of this update, this is expected to take place in December of 2025.

I am happy to report a growth in our Scouting programs and youth sports.  We are pleased to see this increased participation.  There are many opportunities to get involved in your community from volunteering on a board or committee, as a coach or even as a member of the Fire Department or First Aid Squad.  I hope you will consider volunteering in town and would be happy to meet with you to discuss your interests.

Please reach out to me if I can ever be of assistance to you or your family.

Anthony Talerico, Jr.
Mayor