Commander addresses housing privatization issues at town hall meeting

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Juan A. Torres
  • 314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. --  Maintenance issues and the privatization of base housing were hot topics at the town hall meeting between base leaders and housing Monday.

"The purposed of the meeting tonight was to bring residents of family housing together, and allow them ask questions and air some of their concerns about living conditions," said Brig. Gen. Rowayne Schatz, the 314th Airlift Wing commander. It also gave base leadership the chance to explain the status of the housing privatization project, he said.

General Schatz kicked off the meeting by going over the original housing privatization plan, reviewing the issues that led the project to its current state and updating residents on the steps being taken to deal with the issues surrounding the project.

One new piece of information General Schatz addressed is the future of the renovations and building of new housing after American Eagle officials recently announced their inability to complete the project.

"Currently the Air Force is going through a process to aid American Eagle and Little Rock Family Housing in the sale of the project to another developer," said General Schatz.

Base housing residents voiced concerns with housing maintenance, including pest problems, issues with heating and cooling systems, repair resolutions and the lack of direction on how to elevate problems when dealing with repeat or unsatisfactory maintenance.

"We will be working hand-in-hand with American Eagle and residents to ensure our homes are currently maintained at the right standard per the terms of the lease, and that the quality of life doesn't decline," said General Schatz.

Base leaders also stressed that issues with housing maintenance should be handled at the lowest level possible.

"Residents should first allow American Eagle to handle maintenance issues to the best of their ability before elevating the issue to a higher authority," said Lt. Col. Richard Sloop, 314th Civil Engineer Squadron commander.

Keeping track of work order numbers, and dates and times of visits will help provide background information and documentation when elevating issues.

If base residents have not been able to deal with issues at the lowest level, they should then contact Tony Lavellette, the Little Rock Family Housing maintenance manager at (501) 987-7656 or Dennis LaPorte, the new Little Rock Family Housing project manager at (501) 983-9046.

If residents are still unable to resolve their issues, they should contact the 314th CES Family Housing Office or call Peggy Eason, 314th CES Housing Assistance Section chief, at (501) 987-6040 or Mary Koorstad, 314th CES Base Housing Asset manager, at (501) 987-2358.

Commander addresses housing privatization issues at town hall meeting

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Juan A. Torres
  • 314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. --  Maintenance issues and the privatization of base housing were hot topics at the town hall meeting between base leaders and housing Monday.

"The purposed of the meeting tonight was to bring residents of family housing together, and allow them ask questions and air some of their concerns about living conditions," said Brig. Gen. Rowayne Schatz, the 314th Airlift Wing commander. It also gave base leadership the chance to explain the status of the housing privatization project, he said.

General Schatz kicked off the meeting by going over the original housing privatization plan, reviewing the issues that led the project to its current state and updating residents on the steps being taken to deal with the issues surrounding the project.

One new piece of information General Schatz addressed is the future of the renovations and building of new housing after American Eagle officials recently announced their inability to complete the project.

"Currently the Air Force is going through a process to aid American Eagle and Little Rock Family Housing in the sale of the project to another developer," said General Schatz.

Base housing residents voiced concerns with housing maintenance, including pest problems, issues with heating and cooling systems, repair resolutions and the lack of direction on how to elevate problems when dealing with repeat or unsatisfactory maintenance.

"We will be working hand-in-hand with American Eagle and residents to ensure our homes are currently maintained at the right standard per the terms of the lease, and that the quality of life doesn't decline," said General Schatz.

Base leaders also stressed that issues with housing maintenance should be handled at the lowest level possible.

"Residents should first allow American Eagle to handle maintenance issues to the best of their ability before elevating the issue to a higher authority," said Lt. Col. Richard Sloop, 314th Civil Engineer Squadron commander.

Keeping track of work order numbers, and dates and times of visits will help provide background information and documentation when elevating issues.

If base residents have not been able to deal with issues at the lowest level, they should then contact Tony Lavellette, the Little Rock Family Housing maintenance manager at (501) 987-7656 or Dennis LaPorte, the new Little Rock Family Housing project manager at (501) 983-9046.

If residents are still unable to resolve their issues, they should contact the 314th CES Family Housing Office or call Peggy Eason, 314th CES Housing Assistance Section chief, at (501) 987-6040 or Mary Koorstad, 314th CES Base Housing Asset manager, at (501) 987-2358.