Privatized housing management presents construction updates at town hall meeting

  • Published
  • By Joe B. Wiles
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  A number of housing issues were discussed at a privatized housing Town Hall meeting held Nov. 18, at the Professional Development Center on base. The meeting was hosted by Pinnacle Hunt Communities, the company that operates privatized family housing at Vance. 

Dana Homier, the community director for PHC, presented information on construction of new homes, renovation of existing homes, lawn maintenance and snow removal. 

Vance housing was privatized in October 2007. PHC has a 50-year lease program. "We're here for 50 years to try to build new homes and improve the homes we have, as well as manage and maintain them," said Ms. Homier. "The U.S. Air Force is no longer managing housing." 

An advantage to privatized housing is the landscaping contractor mows the majority of grass in the housing area. "We have a new landscaping contractor," said Ms. Homier. "Some residents will recognize him as our previous pest control guy," she said. 

The contractor will start mowing in early spring and continue until the lawns go dormant in the fall. "We in the middle of our fall-leaf removal," said Ms. Homier. A second round is scheduled mid-March to mid-April. 

Housing residents are responsible for keeping up their flower beds, lawns inside fences and around recreation equipment and storing trash cans. "When residents take pride in their yard maintenance we want to let you know we appreciate it," said Ms. Homier. Starting in May 2009, Yard of the Month will be awarded in officer housing and enlisted housing. 

"Judging will take place the first week of each month," she said. Winners will receive a gift card and a Yard of the Month sign to display. 

Lt. Col. David Stewart, 71st Mission Support Group deputy commander and meeting attendant, asked Ms. Homier about the snow removal plan for housing. 

"We are currently reviewing a different snow-removal plan, but will move forward with last year's plan," Ms. Homier said. "We'll get the streets taken care of for you. We have a contractor to handle that. When the snow gets three inches deep, we will get it removed," she said. 

Oklahoma tends to have more ice than snow, Ms. Homier noted. "That's a big concern for us because we want to keep your streets safe." The plan is to put down ice-melt and sand every two hours, focusing on the intersections of the loops and the sidewalks so the kids can get to school. 

She said the second priority will be common sidewalks between neighborhoods and the walking trails. "The third priority will be personal sidewalks and driveways. We do intend getting to you to help, but it will depend on how much snow and ice we get. We have to focus on the main priorities first," Ms. Homier said. 

"We do have ice-melt and snow shovels at the office available for checkout," she said. "We ordered a bunch of ice-melt, because you never know how much snow and ice we may get." 

Construction of 30 new homes is underway north of Eisenhower Elementary School. Ms. Homier said as soon as construction of the community center is complete, the PHC office can move in and free up two more homes for residents. 

The foundation slabs for the first of the field-grade homes on Loop 1 are poured and are being framed now. Installation of underground water mains and sewer lines is underway, said Ms. Homier. She anticipates completion of all the foundations by December so framing and construction can continue. 

When the houses on Loop 1 are finished, residents will move in. "We'll move the fencing over to separate the construction from occupied new homes," Ms. Homier said. 

She apologized to those residents who found brown water coming out of their faucets last week. "The construction crew was flushing out the fire hydrants and it caused sediment to come through the pipes," Ms. Homier said. "Next time they flush the lines, we'll give the residents a heads up." 

Existing homes will be renovated over the next few years. According to Ms. Homier, the 150 homes scheduled for renovation will be redone on the inside from the floor up. New appliances and carpet will be installed and the wood structures will be covered with dry wall. The exteriors will blend with the architectural theme of the newer homes. 

Ms. Homier said Town Hall meetings, currently scheduled quarterly, will probably become monthly, so residents' questions and concerns can be answered in a timely manner. 

For more information, residents should call the management office, the Landings at Vance, at 234-0498. Ms. Homier's e-mail address is dhomier@prmc.com. The housing Web site is www.vance.familyhousing.com.