Keesler housing privatization begins transition in August Published June 29, 2011 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Pubilc Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler's family housing transitions to privatized housing in mid to late August. Tuesday's town hall meetings outlined what the future holds for residents of the 1,188 homes in Bay Ridge, East and West Falcon Park, Thrower Park and Sandhill housing areas. The Air Force's military housing privatization initiative was incorporated in the 1996 National Defense Authorization Act. The provision allows the Air Force to use private sector business alternatives in place of traditional military housing. "Housing privatization is a partnership between the Air Force and a developer in which both parties benefit from its success," said Brett Long, 81st Mission Support Group housing flight chief. "A private developer leases the land, constructs new or renovates existing homes and operates and manages family housing for 50 years. "It's not a contract, but a real estate transaction where we partner with the developer to better serve our residents," Mr. Long said. Keesler housing will be managed by Forest City Military Communities, a subsidiary of Forest City Enterprises, Inc., an $11.5 billion real estate company that's developed, managed and acquired properties in 25 states, with expertise in public/private partnerships. FCMC is responsible for 14,679 homes across the country, according to John Hoyt, FCMC's vice president, who describes the company's goals at Keesler as providing "exceptional service and building thriving communities for Airmen and their families" and becoming a "committed partner to the Air Force." Specific Keesler objectives are to: Offer homes of superior quality and livability. Minimize relocation impacts to current residents. Enhance existing amenities and programs. Maintain neighborhood military rank whenever possible. Match family size to the number of bedrooms. FCMC's six-member management team is currently located at 303 Patrick Drive, but plans are in the works to build a community center with multipurpose room, kitchen, conference room, fitness room with children's play area, locker rooms and Forest City offices. A permanent maintenance and selfhelp facility will be located in Thrower Park. The management team aims to develop strong communications with military families through town hall meetings, monthly newsletters, online instant feedback forms, resident advisory boards and satisfaction surveys and a community Web site, www.fckeeslerafb.com. Residents must convert to a 12-month rental agreement with military clause that's described as "fairly standard across Air Force privatization." Basic allowance for housing starts after termination of government quarters upon transition to Forest City. The amount of BAH covers rent, utilities and renter's insurance. Rent is paid in arrears for existing residents by allotment. For more information, call the housing flight, 376-5336, or Forest City, 374-5336.