HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – In accordance with the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, the Air Force Civil Engineering Center will facilitate the inspection of all privatized housing units here Sept. 5 through Sept. 15.
The mandatory inspections aim to ensure the safety and quality of housing for military and civilian personnel and their families who reside on the installation.
“The focused effort on high quality housing is a crucial step in strengthening our number one weapon system: our people” said Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander. “Residents have a voice in this process; and we encourage our Hanscom families to support the inspections to ensure their needs are met.”
The 66th Civil Engineering Division’s Military Housing Office will oversee the congressionally-mandated inspections at Hanscom AFB.
“The inspections will be conducted by independent third-party inspectors with expertise in residential property assessments,” said Katherine Krasznekewicz, 66 CE Military Housing Office Element chief.
Inspections will include unit interiors, building systems, common areas, exteriors, drainage, and landscaping.
“We understand this may be an inconvenience, but the assistance of all housing residents is essential to help us meet this congressional mandate,” said LauraLee Morris, 66th Air Base Group resident advocate.
According to Morris, initial notifications were sent to residents July 31. The email included a memo from the installation commander with a QR code and hyperlink to pre-schedule inspections in two-hour blocks.
Morris recommends residents who have not yet scheduled a time for their home to be inspected do so prior to Sept. 5.
“For homes without a pre-scheduled time, inspectors will knock on doors to gain access,” said Morris. “An adult who resides in the home must be present while the inspection is taking place.”
For any issues that represent health, life or safety concerns, the inspection team will immediately notify the Hunt Military Community to ensure it is repaired, according to civil engineers.
“Col. Enriquez is committed to providing the best housing for both current and future residents,” said Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, installation command chief, in a video message to the community. “Your participation in this inspection will contribute to our shared goal of maintaining good living conditions for all.”
Hanscom AFB has 731 privatized housing homes. While Department of the Air Force-connected families comprise 40 percent of residents in family housing, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines and Department of Defense civilian employees and military retirees also live on the installation.
Hanscom AFB residents who have questions regarding the inspection should contact the Military Housing Office at 781-225-6382 or by email to Katherine.Krasznekewicz@us.af.mil.