Privatization is coming

  • Published
  • By Airman John Linzmeier
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  More than 100 service members and their families attended a town meeting April 24, 2013, in the Youth Center here to learn about the upcoming transition to privatized family housing.

John Pearsall, Corvias Military Living program manager, delivered a presentation answering questions and informing residents about changes in policy and community development projects.

"It's good that we have our wing involved out here," said Master Sgt. Garrett Reilly, 22nd Medical Support Squadron diagnostic imaging NCO in charge. "The different group commanders were out here tonight. It's nice to have a little bit of representation from everybody."

As a part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, signed into legislation by congress in 1996, military housing at McConnell AFB will soon be managed by CML. The transition is expected to be completed July 1, 2013.

"The entirety of the development period is about five years," said Pearsall. "We'll build 157 new homes, renovate 207 homes and we'll also construct a community center which will open in 2016."

The planned community center will contain a fitness center with a pool, recreational space for events and parties, a computer lab, kitchen, media room and, a dedicated section for children in addition to other features still being finalized.

Within the first two to three months of ownership, CML aims to build each home with two-car garages, irrigated yards and basements with designated space for both storage and extra living room.

Houses that are due for a renovation will be modified while vacant. Furthermore, duplex models will receive specific improvements to increase the sound barrier between units.

CML also plans to construct a "Bark Park" for dog owners north of the current maintenance building. The park will host areas for large and small dogs to play separately.


"It's actually starting to happen," said Reilly, "and it's good that we're starting to see some planning in advance."

Upon privatizing, current base housing residents must set up an allotment which deducts rent directly from the member's Basic Allowance for Housing, and is initiated by filling out the Resident Occupancy Agreement.

Residents will also receive a responsibility guide which provides guidance as to what decorations and alterations of property are permitted.

Privatized housing has reached 43 locations in the Air Force to date as a part of MHPI, and McConnell AFB is one of six bases to be a part of the Continental Group Housing Privatization Project set to begin this year.

"Corvias is about more than building and renovating homes," said Pearsall. "Our goal is to provide outstanding customer service in a community Airmen and their families are proud to call home."