Straight Talk: Housing topics focus

  • Published
  • By Col. Chad Ellsworth
  • 66th Air Base Group Commander
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – This week’s Straight Talk will address several housing-related questions from the Hanscom community. I will also answer questions about Force Support facilities as well as snow and ice removal on the base.

Q. Base Housing: Is it possible to identify unit parking spots with house number on the road or driveway?

A. Unfortunately, this is unsustainable to manage and is an ineffective approach. Every home in Flintlock Ridge has an assigned parking garage and all other housing units have an attached garage. There is no assigned on-street parking; it is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q. Base Housing: Is it possible for Hunt to put house numbers on the trash and recycle bins? Most residents leave their bins out for days, or in some cases, weeks.

A. Hunt will send reminders to housing residents when trash and recycle containers are left out after Tuesday’s pick up. In the past, Hunt has collected these bins left by the curb on Wednesday. While this upset residents, it did achieve positive results. If needed, Hunt can employ this practice again and see if it helps.

Q. Base Housing: Is it possible to allow commercial delivery on weekends for housing residents? With the current policy limiting deliveries to weekdays only, residents must take leave to receive personal commercial deliveries.

A. Unfortunately, Security Forces does not have the manpower for commercial delivery inspection areas to be open seven days a week. Additionally, current hours and policies are in-line with other bases within Air Force Materiel Command.

Q. Base Housing: Is it possible to do something about squirrels in base housing?

A. The squirrels are definitely abundant. Unfortunately, the use of products to control squirrels is a violation of federal law. In addition, using poisons labeled for moles or gophers can create a hazard for children, pets and birds and lead to accidental poisoning. Keeping the base free of trash limits their food source and can go a long way in reducing their numbers.

Q. Base Housing: Can Security Forces issue tickets instead of warnings to those who habitually break driving and parking rules?

A. Traffic safety is an important and highly discussed topic. In fact, we have a Traffic Safety Working Group dedicated to ensuring the safety of our roads. If you see a traffic pattern concern, please contact our safety office at 781-225-5586 to have it brought to their attention. When you see a parking or driving infraction, please call Security Forces at 781-225-5000.

Q. Swimming Pool: Is it possible to not charge an entrance or swim fee at the base pool, offer longer hours and add an outdoor pool?

A. The pool is a self-generating revenue activity so we have to charge fees. Our fee is very minimal compared to an off-base facility. Regarding an outdoor pool, building one is not financially feasible and would only be utilized a few months out the year due to New England weather.

Q. Club: Is it possible to expand the base club hours, come to a better and more reliable solution for lunch, dinner and events to include bringing back kitchen staff?

A. The most common feedback I receive is regarding limited food options on base. We have a bustling crowd during weekday lunch hours, but that has not equated to long-term profits for vendors. Additionally, the Air Force closed the club food service in 2012. We continue to look for ways to bring more options to the base.

Q. Roads and Sidewalks: Is it possible to clear the sidewalks immediately after a snowstorm? Sidewalks are often not cleared until days after the storm. The ice and snow left behind makes it treacherous to walk from the parking lot to the office.

A. As we all know, not all storms are the same. Our crews remove snow based on priorities set forth in our Snow and Ice plan. Certain buildings do have higher priorities and are defined in the plan. These priorities ensure mission continuity and the most effective use of resources. When plowing has finished, facility managers should contact the Civil Engineer customer service desk to report any problems associated with snow removal.

Again, thank you for sharing your questions. I enocurage you to funnel comments through your chain of command or send to my team directly at hanscom.straighttalk@us.af.mil. Stay tuned as we will continue sharing answers to your questions. I am committed to making Hanscom the benchmark for the Air Force to work and live.