Friday is lease-signing day for base's privatized housing

Published July 27, 2011
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Friday is the day for current and prospective Keesler residents to "sign on the dotted line" for privatized base housing. The lease-signing event is 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bay Breeze Event Center for Keesler's 1,188 housing units in Thrower Park, East and West Falcon Park, Bay Ridge and Sandhill Landing.

"If someone isn't available on the lease-signing date, they can call the Forest City Military Communities office, 374-5336, starting next week to finalize the paperwork," said Brett Long, 81st Infrastructure Division housing flight chief. "The data sheets that were sent to residents to complete must be turned in so Forest City can have your information to complete the lease.

The forms may be turned in at the Forest City office, 303 Patrick Drive in Bay Ridge, or at the housing office, Room 118, Sablich Center.

The lease is available on the Forest CityWeb site for Keesler, http://www.fckeeslerafb.com/, by clicking on "current residents," then "resident forms." When a warning pops up, click on "continue."

Col. Rodney Berk, 81st Mission Support Group commander, said that Keesler is one of the last bases in the continental United States to privatize its housing.

"Privatization will provide our housing residents with more amenities than the government can provide, including pool, splash pad, dog runs and other enhancements," the colonel said. "Maintenance won't be limited by contract and property management has more latitude in the services it provides."

John Hoyt, Forest City's vice president for development, said his team is excited about the lease-signing event.

"We've been anticipating this occasion for some time," Hoyt commented."This event really marks the first time we have the opportunity to meet and serve the family housing residents at Keesler on a one-on-one basis. We look forward to establishing relationships with all of our military families.

"The lease that's being used is a true testament of partnership between Forest City and the Air Force," he pointed out. "It's the product of collaboration to develop a contract that meets the needs of military families while adhering to the necessary framework of a lease.

"We're fortunate to have such a strong, committed and mindful command as a partner and leading the troops to mark this historic event."

Long indicated that Sept. 1 is the target date for privatization to begin, pending congressional notification. That's when BAH and allotments will begin.

Friday is lease-signing day for base’s privatized housing