Above: Learn more about what new businesses are coming to Monmouth and Ocean counties.

BRICK - A large medical facility approved recently by the township's Planning Board is well-positioned to become the county's next Veterans Affairs clinic.

A 75,000-square-foot medical facility, titled in Planning Board documents only as the "Project," was approved to be erected on a triangular 9.4-acre parcel between Route 88, Jack Martin Boulevard and Burrsville Road.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has sought space for a new clinic in Ocean County for years. The existing facility on Route 70 in Brick has too little room for patient parking and the medical staff required to serve 10,000 to 12,000 patients per year. Brick's clinic is currently among the busiest in the state, and serves three to four times as many patients as a majority of other VA clinics in New Jersey.

The location of the new medical facility is a mostly tree-filled parcel that was once proposed to be the site of a hotel, shops and apartments and later an apartment complex. Both proposals were rejected.

Mayor John G. Ducey said the "Project" on Route 88 meets the Veterans Affairs' specifications for a replacement facility.

Related:Rep. Andy Kim says New Ocean County veterans clinic plans are underway

"They (Veterans Affairs officials) put very specific things which had to be present for the site to be considered," said Ducey. "One is a 75,000-square-foot building. Another (requirement) is over 400 parking spots. Another is 45 spots for handicap (parking). Another is (New) Jersey Transit have a bus stop, and all those things were part of that application (on Route 88)."

Veterans Affairs officials have yet to make an announcement on where the new clinic will be situated.

The department, faced with complaints of long waits for medical care, is working to relieve pressure on crowded clinics across the nation, including the current 35,000-square-foot facility off Route 70.

U.S. Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey's 3rd Congressional district met with veterans and clinic staff at the existing facility on Route 70 in August. Veterans there said some patients were waiting three months or more for medical appointments.

"Our veterans deserve nothing but the best care from a grateful nation," Kim said in a statement on Wednesday. "I’ve made it a top priority to improve the health care veterans receive in Ocean County, and I’m going to keep doing everything I can to get the new health clinic built while also strengthening existing care.

Ocean County has more veterans — nearly 40,000 — than any other county in New Jersey, according to U.S. Census data.

Ducey, Brick's mayor, said he expects an announcement from the VA as to the location of the new clinic later this month.

Brick homicide:Man charged with destroying, removing evidence from crime scene

Wellness:What will it take to improve access to mental health care in NJ?

NJ weather:Record highs today, cooler tomorrow, rip currents until Friday

Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers Brick, Barnegat and Lacey townships as well as the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than a decade. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.