Formal plans were rolled out in March, and during a series of contentious public hearings, were revised. The latest version, just approved by FMERPA, was unveiled in July.

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

And as members of FMERPA, the mayors of the three towns were split on the plan in this week's vote. Local Mayor Gerald Tarantolo voted in favor of it, while Peter Maclearie and Michael Mahon of Oceanport both voted against it. Under the state law that created the authority, support from at least six of the eight FMERPA commissioners had been required for the plan to move forward. It now goes to Gov. Jon Corzine's office for approval before being submitted to the US Department of Defense and other federal agencies for a final sign-off.