By PETE WALTON
A new $15 million sports complex planned in Tinton Falls will bring jobs, recreational opportunities, and new customers for local businesses.
The borough Planning Board has approved a proposal by George Altirs, founder of the Capelli apparel brand, to build an indoor-outdoor sports facility off Wayside Road near Shafto Road.
The project will include an indoor soccer pitch and spectator area which will host events involving traveling youth and professional teams throughout the year.
“There will be tournaments all winter,” said Mayor Gerald M. Turning at this week’s Borough Council meeting. “Our hotels and restaurants will see growth and business at times they haven’t seen before.”
Turning noted that prior to Altirs’ approach to the borough, there had been consideration by others to use the land for housing. Instead, the mayor said, the borough is getting “a quality ratable.”
“This is a high-end sports activity club,” said Council President Gary A. Baldwin. “It will be a great addition to this town.”
According to Baldwin, the facility can also be used for other sports such as field hockey and rugby. It will have locker rooms, a weight room and concession areas.
Councilwoman Nancyanne Fama said Altirs’ proposal also includes five outdoor fields, party rooms and parking for 650 cars.
In a workshop session following the regular meeting, the council discussed a proposed amendment to the Fort Monmouth Reuse and Redevelopment Plan. The amendment concerns the fort’s shooting range and firearms training area.
A private contractor is acquiring the facility and plans to open it for public use. The developer wants to use other former fort buildings to expand the scope of the project. The new plans would double the size of the indoor pistol range and allow for a two-lane rifle range. Archery instruction would also be offered. The revised plan would permit a food and beverage area, a limited retail space, locker rooms and administrative offices.
Borough Engineer Thomas P. Neff of T&M Associates said the proposed plan amendment includes construction of a new road to provide direct access to the buildings. Neff said there would have to be a determination as to whether or not the road would become a borough right-of-way.
In a ceremony attended by dozens of friends and family members at the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Turning swore in Thomas M. Park as a lieutenant and Michael DeLucia as a sergeant on the borough police force.
Park is currently assigned to the department’s internal affairs division. DeLucia, a former offensive lineman for the Rutgers University football team, is the police liaison to the Tinton Falls School District and Monmouth Regional High School.
