A compromise may be possible between a developer and Navy officials that could curtail proposed public housing at Navy?s Weapons Station Earle.

In a letter issued last Friday, developer Laurelwood Homes said it is willing to cooperate with the Navy in evaluating a buyout option for empty homes on the base. A spokesman for the Earle Weapons Stations says the group is unaware of any official buyout correspondence, however.

The base is the largest ammunition storage facility on the east coast and is located next to homes in both Colts Neck and Tinton Falls. The plan to convert the unused homes sparked public outcry from homeowners who fear people freely coming and going near the base opens the area to terrorist activity.

Money issues could pose a problem to ironing out a deal quickly.

It would cost the Navy $10 million in security upgrades to hand the homes over for public housing, according to internal budget report estimates. Laurelwood says the homes are worth well more than that.

Navy, Colts Neck face off on public housing plan