Residents voice concerns during town hall meetings

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ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Town hall meetings were conducted May 5 and 7 for those members residing in privatized family housing. 

The meetings were held to address topics of community interest and to pass on pertinent information related to family housing, as well as address tenant concerns. Col. Thomas Bergeson, 3rd Wing commander, and Aurora Military Housing leadership were available to answer questions and discuss tenant concerns on a one-on-one basis after the meetings. 

The following are the questions posed during the meetings: 

Question: Why can't Aurora provide renter's insurance for their occupants?
Answer: This has been reviewed, but under Alaska law individuals are required to sign policies themselves and a blanket policy is not permissible. Occupants are highly encouraged to maintain renter's insurance as a means to protect personal property and protect against liabilities.

Question: Why isn't senior NCO housing segregated from junior NCO housing?
Answer: As part of the privatization project, all enlisted ranks, with the exception of E-9, were consolidated into one demographic category. This separation was necessary to prevent holding vacant houses while waiting on specific target tenants to occupy.

Question: What can be done to enforce citations for yard violations?
Answer: Tenants can and should assist by first talking with the violators, then bringing to Aurora's attention. In addition, commanders and first sergeants have been directed to get more involved in the process. The ultimate course of action for Aurora Housing is eviction.

Question: Why are there only three housing community centers?
Answer: The number of community centers was limited to three to meet budget constraints during award of the privatized project. An increase in the number of community centers can be addressed through the tenant association to the project management review committee for consideration. However, due to the associated costs, there are no plans to build new community centers in the near future.

Question: How can tenants reserve the privatized housing community centers?
Answer: You can reserve by calling Aurora Military Housing at 753-1023.

Question: Will the housing parking areas be swept?
Answer: Yes, immediately after the housing street sweeping operations are completed.

Question: What are the plans for installing street lighting along the Grady Highway?
Answer: A project is currently on the books to address this need. However, it competes with all other facility and infrastructure projects for limited base operations and maintenance funding. Due to mission priority and the significant expense of installing hardware and wiring, it is not likely to receive approval in the near term.

Question: Can lighting be installed at street entrances into housing areas along the Grady Highway?
Answer: Aurora is reviewing the possibility of installing lighting.

Question: Is it possible to install fencing around playgrounds located in housing areas?
Answer: Due to the many pros and cons associated with this issue, it is better addressed through the tenant association.

Question: Is the base spring clean-up program mandatory for housing tenants?
Answer: Unfortunately no, but Aurora provides roll-off dumpsters that can be used for disposing large items during the base clean-up dates and encourages tenant participation.

Question: What is the policy for maintaining firearms in privatized housing, including BB guns?
Answer: Firearms can be maintained in privatized housing, but they must first be registered with 3rd Security Forces Squadron. There is no requirement to register BB guns.

Question: Who do I call to get offensive graffiti removed from playground equipment?
Answer: You can request removal through Aurora at 753-1023 or 753-1051.

Question: Who do I call to report abandoned vehicles in housing areas?
Answer: You may contact 3rd Security Forces Squadron at 552-3421. However, it may take time from notification to towing actions due to the need to perform research and determine if the vehicle is truly abandoned.

Question: Why doesn't Aurora cut grass in yards?
Answer: This was not negotiated as part of the overall privatization project, given all the funding requirements that were considered. This remains a tenant responsibility, and we appreciate tenants taking pride in their lawns.

Question: Can funds raised by local schools or private organizations be used to make improvements and maintain an ice rink?
Answer: This issue can best be addressed through the tenant association. Mount Spurr Elementary School has a rink available for use. In addition, a winter recreation campus located near the Kashim Club is being planned, and will compete for future funding.

Question: Does the renter's insurance offered by Aurora Housing cover flooding?
Answer: Unfortunately, no. Flood insurance is maintained separately.

Question: What is the limit on the number of automobiles that can be parked in housing areas?
Answer: Tenants are limited to two automobiles per dwelling. Additional automobiles must be parked in overflow parking areas. Recreational vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and trailers can be stored in housing areas for up to 48 hours only. Otherwise, they must be stored in designated storage areas. For information, call the 3rd Services Squadron at 552-5023.

Question: Is there a limit on the kinds of vegetation that may be planted in flower beds in housing areas?
Answer: Yes; it's limited to perennials that don't attract wildlife.

Question: How often are playgrounds in housing areas inspected and maintained?
Answer: Weekly, unless conditions warrant more frequently.

Question: What can be done about the unsightly way some military members maintain their house and yard?
Answer: Most of our Arctic Warriors take great pride in caring for their homes and comply with Aurora's appearance and safety standards. However, a few problems can degrade the appearance and safety of the housing areas. While Aurora's staff help in identifying and correcting abuses, each tenant is responsible for complying with their contractual obligations to Aurora which includes maintaining grounds, controlling clutter, removing snow, properly disposing of refuse, and maintaining dwellings in a clean and damage-free condition, among others. The best course of action is for tenants to discuss the issue in person with any of their neighbors who are not following the rules and are detracting from neighborhood quality of life. If this fails, Aurora and leadership may get involved if military members fail to meet their contractual obligations. Continued non-compliance can lead to eviction from on-base housing.