Count Basie Theater Group Interested In Fort Monmouth Property

EATONTOWN: A group from the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank has interest in purchasing a piece of property at Fort Monmouth, according to Eatontown Mayor Dennis Connelly.

Connelly said at the March 8 Eatontown Council meeting that the group is "researching that they would possibly want to purchase Lane Hall on Fort Monmouth and the property that is to the rear of that."

Lane Hall is located at 702 Radio Ave. on the Oceanport side of the fort and a 10-acre open space area in the rear of the property is located in Eatontown. Connelly said the group is looking at both properties.

"They are looking to use Lane Hall as a performing arts building and the back would be for a concert venue in the grassy area," he said.

The mayor said the discussions are in the very early stages right now.

"This parcel is not up for sale yet, so this is just a group that is sharing some interest," Connelly said. "There's nothing concert at all and any proposal for this property would probably require a plan amendment (to the Fort Monmouth Reuse Plan)."

Connelly said there are other groups interested in the property, as well.