The Hunter Army Airfield quarterly town hall was held at the installation’s post chapel, Jan. 9, supported by leaders from the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort-Stewart-Hunter Airfield, Balfour Beatty Communities and the Residential Communities Initiative program.
The evening was led by the Hunter Army Airfield Garrison Senior Enlisted Leader Command Sgt. Maj. Tremayne A. Robbins.
Robbins said the housing town halls were important as they provided a voice for community members to be heard. He said it also allowed the installation to provide feedback for community members concerning the last housing survey. He highlighted four specific areas of interest including parking, landscaping, appliances and move-in conditions. Regarding the parking, he said he understood many of the older houses only had two parking spots, but noted residents should use overflow parking rather than the street – as that could lead to safety violations and tickets. Regarding the landscaping, appliances and move-in conditions, Robbins said part of the solution was quality assurance and quality control inspections. He said residents, RCI, BBC and the command were all part of that process.
He noted additional landscapers and an RCI inspector was hired to help provide quality assurance and quality control on service work orders and provide accountability.
Regarding appliances, Robbins explained that not all units would receive new appliances. He said during home inspection, if an appliance was found in need of repair, BBC would repair it. But if an appliance needed replacement, it would be a new appliance rather than a refurbished one.
He said besides the 100% pre-move in inspections and RCI follow-up inspections, the command would also conduct 5% inspections on routine service work orders and follow-up inspections on work orders that affect life, health and safety.
“We want to make sure residents are living in suitable quality homes,” Robbins said. He also noted work orders related to life, health and safety, would include a 100% follow-up by the command.
The Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Garrison commander Col. Bryan Logan explained they were trying to make improvements to the community, realizing funding was a factor. He said the installation had more than 3,400 homes, with 168 being scheduled for demolition. He said of those 3,400 houses, 952 were two bedroom, one bath facilities, which are rented at $200 less than fair market value. Which means a $190,000 loss for the BBC community partners per month, or about $2.2 million per year. He said a portion of the rent goes in to an account to provide maintenance, demolition and new construction.
Prior to closing, the value of the town hall was validated by providing an opportunity to let community members have their voices heard.
Comments included a need for BBC to provide a facility for Family Readiness Group meetings; improved BBC customer service; a comment to consider facility upgrades; and a complaint regarding BBC’s lack of timely action involving water leaks through light fixtures.
3rd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Antonio Aguto, upon hearing the last comment, took steps to resolve the issue, which could impact life, health or safety. He called for the command, BBC and RCI to immediately look into the situation and to ensure the Family was moved to a safe residence that night. He said communication was important. He said if community members didn’t feel they were getting results, they could contact RCI and said the chain of command was there to help provide accountability.
“At the very minimum, you should be able to pick up the phone and call Col. (Bryan) Logan,” Aguto said. “Don’t suffer in silence.”
Community members can learn more about installation housing, work order procedures or provide feedback through the Fort Stewart Website at home.army.mil/stewart, or by using the Fort Stewart mobile app or BBC’s RentCafe app, both available on Google play and iTunes.