Housing Privatization Town Hall Meeting Planned for July 24

  • Published
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D --  Members of the Grand Forks Air Force Base military community are invited to a Housing Privatization town hall meeting at 6 p.m. on July 24 at the Community Activity Center.

Effective Aug. 1, 2013, Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC) will assume operations of Grand Forks Family Housing with the goal of providing the highest level of customer service, enhanced housing, and a vibrant community for the military and their families stationed here.

At Balfour Beatty Communities, a dedicated staff comprised of community and facilities management professionals is ready to assist in making the transition into privatization as seamless as possible.

"We couldn't be more excited to begin operations for family housing," said Susan Michael, Community Manager for Balfour Beatty Communities at Grand Forks AFB. "My staff and I look forward to meeting the residents on base and working with them to ensure that their time spent living in Grand Forks Family Housing is not only enjoyable but memorable."

Why privatize?

In November 2011, the Air Force announced that BBC was selected to privatize housing at six Air Force base communities. The six bases - Grand Forks AFB, Minot AFB and Cavalier AFS, N.D.; Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; Cannon AFB, N.M.; and Mountain Home AFB, Idaho - comprise The Northern Group. The overall group deal, valued at $468.9 million in development costs, provides new and renovated housing for 4,761 military families using only $7.4 million in appropriated funds.

The privatization program provides quality affordable housing faster and more efficiently than traditional processes allowed. Privatization of military family housing enables private sector developers to effectively manage all family housing operations and ultimately create a living environment that helps increase the readiness, morale, and retention of the military members, allowing them to concentrate on their missions.

What to look forward to in privatized housing?

BBC will be responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of family homes, grounds, and infrastructure. With all community and facilities management being maintained through one company, BBC ensures a holistic approach to all family housing and community needs that is centered on responsive customer service.

As part of privatization, there is also a plan in place for new construction, renovations, and general community upgrades including:
  • 256 demolished homes
  • 547 renovated homes with flooring and fencing
  • Constructing a Community Center
  • Constructing a new Maintenance & Self Help Shop
  • Snow Removal and Lawn Care Services
Balfour Beatty Communities will also offer a program called LifeWorks. LifeWorks will offer free activities and events for residents of all ages aimed at strengthening community relations. To see what events are happening at Grand Forks AFB, visit our website. We hope to see you there!

Next steps for current residents

Residents will be required to sign a lease agreement with Balfour Beatty Communities. Lease signings are currently being conducted by BBC's Community Management Team. If you have not signed a lease agreement, please reach out to your unit's first sergeant for your unit's pre-scheduled day or contact BBC at 701-314-7103 to schedule a time that is convenient for you. All leases must be signed by July 31, 2013

Understanding BAH and privatized housing

BAH is determined based on rental market value, rank, and number of dependents. Unlike most rental markets, privatized housing offers additional amenities not usually found in private sector housing. Because of this, DOD policy on privatized housing allows rent to be equal to full BAH.

BAH in privatized housing includes:
  • Rent
  • Utilities - electric, gas, water, sewer, and fuel oil for heat (based on average consumption, with the exception of telephone, cable, and Internet services)
  • Landscaping services (front yard and common areas)
  • Trash collection
  • Kitchen appliances
  • 24/7 facility maintenance services as well as routine preventative maintenance services
  • Renter's insurance personal property policy as well as liability.
  • Free LifeWorks program year-round activities and events
  • Community Center, playgrounds, and walk & bike trails.
About BBC

Headquartered in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Balfour Beatty Communities currently operates more than 44,000 military homes located in 23 states and Washington D.C. and is over 1,100 dedicated employees strong. For more information regarding Balfour Beatty Communities visit www.balfourbeattycommunities.com.

For questions after August 1, 2013 regarding BBC operations and the transition to privatization, contact the Community Management Office at 701-594-8000. All service requests may be directed to the Facility Management Office at 701-594-8003.

Grand Forks Family Housing
514 Louisiana Street

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: Self-help shop: 8 a.m. to noon

Website: grandforksfamilyhousing.com