Base housing policy changes Feb. 2 Published Jan. 29, 2009 By Chris Calkins 45th SW Public Affairs PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Beginning Feb. 2, base housing in the Central Housing area will be available to members of the Reserves and Guard, military retirees, and Department of Defense civil service employees and DOD contractors, according to Sophia Reeves, Community Director for HP Communities LLC. The housing areas, now known as "The Landings at Patrick," were privatized last November as part of an effort to provide better housing to military members and are now managed by HP Communities. Ms. Reeves wanted to make sure everyone in the Patrick community understands this will not be an "open-door" policy for those non-active duty people who want to take advantage of this opportunity. "If they are not active duty, then everyone else wanting to live in on-base housing will be subject to an extensive federal background check, in conjunction with your 45th Space Wing Security Forces," Ms. Reeves said. "This isn't intended in any way to be any kind of stumbling block. We do this wherever we go; we do it to ensure that everyone on base can have a safe and secure environment; your personal safety is priority number one for us," she said. In addition to the new residents, plans are being made to transform one entire street in Central Housing to accommodate both single and "geographically" separated service members and civilian employees. The plan, according to Ms. Reeves, is designed to create a "dorm like" experience, where future residents would be allowed to rent a two- or three-bedroom house and then split the cost. "In today's economy, we know there are people out there who may need a safe, secure and affordable place to live," said Ms. Reeves. "That's why we're looking way outside the box to try and give as many people as possible the chance to experience the great benefits of on-base living. This could be the perfect solution for some of our customers," she said. Hunt is also looking at other changes to housing in the coming year. Hunt Development Group will be mostly responsible for the remodeling (in the North and Central housing areas) and demolition of some homes (in the Central and South housing areas) while Pinnacle, American Management Services will take charge of the day-to-day operations, maintenance and property management for the newly privatized homes. "Let's be right up front about everything; there are going to be lots of changes and challenges ahead," said Ms. Theresa Ahlin, 45th Space Wing Base Housing Office. "But that's not to say we - along with our Hunt and Pinnacle partners - won't do everything we can to make this work. Everyone here knows that housing is a huge quality of life issue, and we don't intend to let anyone down," she said. "Our job is to take care of you; all of us here are very well aware of that fact and dedicated to doing just that." Ms. Reeves also emphasized how she and her staff want to "get involved" with the residents of Patrick Air Force Base. "The last thing we want is to be thought of as just 'property managers.' We want to be your partners - your friends. We intend to be fully engaged with the entire housing family. We want to work hand-in-hand with all the 45th Space Wing and schedule regular fun-filled, family-type activities everyone can take part in," Ms. Reeves said. She also said a housing area Community Information Meeting (CIM) is scheduled at the Shark Center at 6 p.m., Feb. 12. "Come on out and see what we have to offer. Bring us all your questions, we'll do our best to answer them for you right on the spot," Ms. Reeves said. "I can give all of you my solemn word that we will do anything and everything we can to make your stay here with us as pleasant as possible. You deserve nothing less than our best effort - and rest assured you'll get just that," she said with emphasis. Editor's note: For more information on leasing issues on Patrick Air Force Base, please call 321-777-8282 or go to patrick.pinnaclefamilyhousing.com.