Cannon scheduled to privatize housing in spring 2012 Published May 11, 2011 By Vivian Hill 27 Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- In an effort to improve family housing options for the Cannon Air Force Base community, the Air Force has reinvigorated the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) for Cannon and five other Air Force installations. The MHPI mission is to provide market comparable homes in safe neighborhoods where Military Members will choose to live. Cannon is one of six bases grouped together to form one housing privatization project, known as the Northern Group. The Northern Group is a $470 million project involving over 4,761 homes. Since the other bases, Grand Forks, Cavalier, Minot, Ellsworth, and Mountain Home, have already received a majority of the required renovations and new construction, construction of 676 new and 362 renovated homes at Cannon will start very soon after the completion of financial and real estate transactions with a housing developer in the spring of 2012. With the new construction Cannon is requesting more single family homes, additional square footage, fenced in back yards, more storage space, and walk in closets. In previously renovated Chavez West homes, the government is requesting the developer provide better windows, exterior repairs and paint, appliance upgrades, and flooring upgrades. Cannon leadership has also requested, as a desired feature, a community center, a swimming pool and splash park. While not guaranteed, these enhancements will help the developers gain valuable review points in the selection process. Covered bus shelters, and walking trails leading to neighborhood playgrounds and picnic areas will be included in the plans. Living in privatized housing will be a choice, unless you are considered key and essential personnel and required to live on base. The transition to privatized housing will require all current and future family housing area residents to sign a lease. Leasing privatized housing has many similarities to renting off-base housing. In both cases, military members receive BAH based on their rank and qualifying dependents. Should both spouses be on active duty, then both spouses will receive BAH. Under privatization these leases limit rent to the senior military member's accompanied BAH rate, include a standard military clause, and limit the amount and types of security deposits. Privatized housing rent will initially include all utilities. The tenant is responsible for telephone and cable. Once the developer installs utility meters on the electrical and natural gas services to the houses, the rent will be reduced to allow for a utility allowance. This utility allowance will equal 110 percent of the average utility cost for that size and type of unit. Energy conscience families will enjoy more money in their monthly budget. For more information about housing privatization, contact Vivian Hill at 575-784-1373.