Formal plans were rolledout in March, and during a series of contentious public hearings,were revised. The latest version, just approved by FMERPA, wasunveiled inJuly.

Carrying an estimated price tag of $1 billion, the redevelopmentplans call for 1,500 new residences including 400 classified as"affordable," two hotels, office space, a medical facility andother uses. With the installation sprawling across three towns, theplan's approximately 1.5 million sf of total building space wouldbe focused on three "town centers." Approximately 450 acres wouldbe set aside as open space.

And as members of FMERPA, the mayors of the three towns weresplit on the plan in this week's vote. Local Mayor Gerald Tarantolovoted in favor of it, while Peter Maclearie and Michael Mahon ofOceanport both voted against it. Under the state law that createdthe authority, support from at least six of the eight FMERPAcommissioners had been required for the plan to move forward. Itnow goes to Gov. Jon Corzine's office for approval before beingsubmitted to the US Department of Defense and other federalagencies for a final sign-off.