Housing landscape transforms with construction, renovation of homes underway

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Hanscom's housing landscape is undergoing a transformation with the first phase of construction of new homes underway and minor and moderate renovation work of existing homes continuing. For the owners of Hanscom's privatized homes, Hunt Pinnacle, summer has proved to be a busy time.
"A lot is happening," said Karen Carbon, The Landings at Hanscom leasing manager. "We have been busy with the summer PCS season moves, the minor and moderate renovation of homes, as well as finishing up the work in progress homes in the Musket Meadows area. We were very excited to have the first 20 families move into new homes in the Musket Meadows area," she said. Construction has also started on the 62 work in progress homes in Battle Road Glen.

"Our housing community is alive with activity and we're pleased to see the forward progress that is being made," said Col. Dave Orr, 66th Air Base Wing commander. "This is an exciting time as we see our community revitalized with the delivery of new homes and renovated units for our families."

Hunt Pinnacle has begun the first stage of construction in the Battle Road Glen area. "We are looking forward to delivering quality homes to our community," Ms. Carbon said. "Our new homes will consist of single, duplex and quadplex family units. These new homes will be located in the Patriot Village, Battle Road Glen and Musket Meadows neighborhoods.

"All of the new home floor plans will be three or four bedrooms homes, which exceeds the two-plus bedroom Air Force minimum requirements," Ms. Carbon said.

In addition to the new construction, Hunt Pinnacle has started to work on some of the minor renovations which consist of 213 units in Flintlock Ridge and the moderate renovations which consist of 49 units in Patriot Village.

"Hunt Pinnacle understands the stress of moving and we would like our residents to know that we will try our best to minimize the disruption to our residents lives," Ms. Carbon said. "At the same time we ask for everyone's patience and cooperation through the construction phase of this project."

Keep safety in mind around construction areas

As construction activity increases, Tim Stengel, Hunt Pinnacle's construction manager reminds everyone living in the housing community to think safety.

"The increased construction activity will mean an increase in traffic as workforce, materials and supplies are needed for the project," Mr. Stengel said.
Hunt Building Company will be working to minimize disruptions to residents. Due to the projects location, it will be necessary for delivery vehicles to navigate through the housing community.

"We expect that residents will experience some traffic congestion similar to that found during the PCS season, only year round," Mr. Stengel said. "Residents should be attentive of the presence of construction vehicles and use caution when crossing streets, walking or driving in areas where they are operating."

"We ask our residents to emphasize safety with their children as we go through this construction phase," Mr. Stengel said. "These are small requests but cannot be underemphasized with the anticipated increased traffic. Everyone's conscientious effort will assure a safe and successful project."

Housing Privatization Construction Process
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How will I know if I am in an upcoming phase of work? How much notice will I get?
A: Residents will receive a letter at least 60 days, per their Tenant Lease, prior that their neighborhood is in an upcoming construction phase. Included with the letter will be a Move Questionnaire to gather information related to the resident's respective rank, number of dependents and whether the resident anticipates a Permanent Change of Station move in the future. For the next step, Hunt Pinnacle will contact each family within the phase and make housing offers. Coinciding with the offer of a home, each respective family will receive a Notification of Move letter with a specific date when they should move from their existing home.

Q: After I receive my Questionnaire, what do I do first?
A: Residents should complete the Move Questionnaire and return it to Hunt Pinnacle in the prescribed time. Hunt Pinnacle will work with each family to provide offers for their next home and identify a specific time frame for the move to occur.

Q: Will I be offered a home with the same number of bedrooms for which I am eligible?
A: HP will do their best to offer the same bedroom size unit that residents are eligible, but this may be limited based on what homes are vacant and available at the time each phase begins, when the offers are made, and what homes other residents on the list may select. Availability will change monthly, even weekly, as new units are constructed, old units are torn down, families PCS into or out of housing, so forecasting in detail too far out in advance of construction work is not possible. That is why Hunt Pinnacle leasing agents will work one-on-one with each respective family.

Q: If I move into a smaller unit will I be eligible for storage?
A: Yes, You will be eligible for storage at Government expense. All requests for storage must be made within 30 days of the day your household goods were delivered to new home. You will need to bring a list of items you want in storage to the government housing office located in building 1217. They will generate the orders needed for JPPSO to pick up the items. Keep in mind that you will not have access to the items until you PCS, move out of base housing, or move into a bigger unit.

Q: Will I be moving into a new construction unit?
A: Not all residents will move into a new unit. Hunt is constructing new homes as well as doing moderate and minor renovations in certain homes.

Q: Can I get on the wait list for new housing only?
A: No unfortunately there are no preferences on the wait list; whatever homes are available when you have to move is what will be offered.

Q: Once I am offered a unit, and I accept it, how do I arrange for the move? Who is responsible to pay for the move?
A: Hunt Pinnacle will provide residents with the appropriate paperwork to bring to the Government Housing Office, Bldg. 1217, (781) 377-4590, who will provide orders for a government-paid move. The resident will then bring those orders to JPPSO to have their move dates arranged within the time frame established. JPPSO is also located in Bldg 1217.

Q: What if I am notified that I have to move into a new unit but I am expecting PCS orders in a few months, do I still have to move? Can I have my household goods packed early and find temporary living arrangements?
A: These types of circumstances will need to be coordinated on a case by case basis with Hunt Pinnacle. Hunt Pinnacle requires at least a 30-day notice of intent to vacate quarters, but you should notify them as soon as you receive orders to work out these details.

Q: Will I move into a certain designated rank neighborhood?
A: Hunt Pinnacle will do their best to try and keep rank conformity within the neighborhoods. This might not always be the case when trying to accommodate family needs.

Q: What if I don't like the housing offers I get? Can I break my lease?
A: If you are offered the same bedroom size that you are currently eligible, then you will not have the option to break your Tenant Lease, unless you have already fulfilled your one-year tenancy requirement in which case you may always provide Hunt Pinnacle a 30-day Notice of Intent to Vacate form. If Hunt Pinnacle does not have an adequate inventory of homes available at the time to make you an offer in the same bedroom size that you are eligible, then you have the option to waive down to a smaller bedroom size or to break your lease. Hunt Pinnacle will do their best to accommodate every families needs when arranging these offers and moves.

Q: When I am asked to move out of my current home and into a different unit, what is the cleaning criterion to move out of my existing unit?
A: This depends on whether your unit is going to be demolished or renovated so some residents may need to do more than others when clearing their quarters. At a minimum you will be required to give a good sweep, clean the kitchen appliances, sanitize the bathrooms, and ensure that there are no household goods left behind.

Q: Once I am established in my new home will I have to move again?
A: Although it is Hunt Pinnacle's goal to move a family only one time, there is a possibility that some families may have to move again due to construction phasing.

Q: Will I have to sign a new lease when I move into another unit?
A: Yes, in order to reflect your new address each resident will be required to sign a one year lease.

Q: If I choose to waive down to a unit of a lesser category or number of bedrooms than what I am eligible, can I go back on the wait list for a larger unit?
A: If you choose to waive into a new unit that does not match the category or number of bedrooms that you are eligible, then you will be required to wait one year before you may put your name on the wait list for the category or number of bedrooms you are eligible but the move will be at your expense. Paid moves will only be for construction related moves not a voluntary move by the family.

Q: I am part of the Other Eligible Tenants; will I be eligible for the same entitlements as a referred tenant?
A: If you are Other Eligible tenant, you are not entitled a move at government expense. Hunt Pinnacle will explain your options if you have to move due to construction phasing.

Q: Is PDLA, Partial Dislocation Allowance, authorized?
A: No. Partial Dislocation Allowance is not authorized in conjunction with moves in privatized housing because ownership of the homes has been conveyed to Hunt Pinnacle and is no longer "provided by the United States", as required by Title 37, Section 407 of the United States Code.