TOP STORY > >Residents begin moving into new base housing

By Staff Sgt. Juan Torres
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Residents are moving into the first new houses completed by Hunt-Pinnacle Communities housing privatization project here.

The 10 new homes were recovered from partially built units left behind by the former housing privatization contractor.

HP Communities, comprised of Hunt Development Group and Pinnacle AMS Development Company, estimates that phase one of renovations will be completed in late July.

Current plans are to build or complete 141 new homes and to renovate 834 homes. The planned end state inventory is 1,000 homes with all renovations and new construction to be completed by March 2012.

The renovated homes will receive interior and exterior improvements as well as new appliances. Those homes will also have heating and cooling ductwork replaced to improve ventilation issues.

The basic floor plans for the homes will stay the same with no square footage, garage and bathroom additions. Another major upgrade will move clothes washer and dryer hook-ups from the unit’s kitchens. Other upgrades include completely new cabinets as opposed to just replacing doors and hardware, and replacement of all outside doors and hardware.

Other quality-of-life initiatives to base housing include the construction of two new “tot lots” and the addition of 1,000 feet of walking trails. Surveys are also currently underway to alleviate drainage problems and reduce flooding of homes.

The second phase is estimated to kick off in the next few weeks and residents are currently being scheduled for moves in preparation for phase three. While residents of units scheduled for later phasing may have to move a second time, HP Communities expect to begin moving residents into renovated housing as soon as they are available.

Mary Holliday-Sopko, Pinnacle Community Director, said residents patience and understanding has made the moving process successful.

“While we are not sure if we will be receiving the renovated homes all at once or in blocks, we do plan to have families ready to move in when the homes are made available,” said Ms. Sopko. “The area is in a prime location on lake lots and close to the teen and youth centers.”

Mike Ramsey, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron, applauded the contractor’s efforts in providing housing residents exceptional services.

“The best thing is the service and maintenance work; people don’t have to worry that if something breaks they can get someone out their quickly to get it fixed,” said Mr. Ramsey. “Sometimes people think they can save a few bucks by going off-base but they may overlook all the other benefits and peace of mind that come with living on base.”