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How can I find out when I would be required to move? And if I am not going to get a new home, is it worth staying in my current home for a year? We will be making every effort to communicate construction and development plans to you via our newsletters and the website. Your Neighborhood Office will also have the most current information available. This is a very good question because it is true that not every family will be eligible for a new home during their tour at NSA Mid-South. Forest City will make every possible effort to ensure that your home, whether it be new or not, meets your needs. Certainly each family must make their housing decision based on their needs, but we hope you see the value of your home in the exceptional service we offer, the fact that you will have no additional out of pocket costs, our understanding of the military culture, and the many extended services that you and your family would not find living outside of privatized military family housing.
How is rent calculated? Is the amount determined by where you live? When will it be applied to each service member? Rent is calculated at the rank and pay grade of the highest ranking service member in the family, at the With Dependent rate. An allotment will be set up through MAC (Military Assistance Company) equal to this amount each month. For October 2007, each service member who signs a lease agreement with Forest City will see an allotment on their last paycheck of the month for the October rent, in its entirety. After October, the monthly allotment for rent will be deducted in two parts; one-half in the first paycheck of the month, and one-half in the last paycheck of the month. After 1 October, any incoming residents will need to set up their BAH entitlement with the local PSD office before they move in. However, Forest City will always set up the allotments with MAC for the rental payment.
How will Forest City know if my BAH changes when I get promoted? MAC receives lists of promotions from DFAS every month, so the change will be made to your allotment. However, it is always a good idea to communicate changes in your BAH to your Neighborhood office so that the allotment can be amended in a timely manner. Delaying the amendments and changes could result in a delinquency on your account for which you would be responsible.
What is the timeline for construction, renovation, and demolition in my Neighborhood? We realize how important it is for you to have the most up to date, accurate information. We will post construction information, as it is available, but please bear in mind that there are many factors that affect the deliveries of new homes from our builder. Delays in the completion of new construction are not uncommon due to such things as weather, land, and labor. Your Neighborhood office will always have the latest information, and will do their best to be sure your questions are answered. As it stands today, we expect to begin demolition in the Conway (cottage) area around 1 November. Renovation and demolition along Enterprise will begin in the early part of 2008.
Will the gates come down? There are no planned changes to the base as far as force protection is concerned due to PPV. The housing areas on the base will still have controlled access when Forest City begins working with the partnership on 1 Oct.
We would like to install a fence, would this be permitted after 1 October? Residents may, upon written approval, install a fence around their home. You may submit your written request to install a fence to your respective Neighborhood Office after 1 October.
We are moving out after 1 October, do we have to remove the fence we installed when we leave housing? No, you may leave the fence you installed if you do not wish to take it with you. Please advise the Forest City representative of this when you have your move out inspection.
Will the new homes have security alarms? Forest City will build new homes equipped with security alarms. It will be the resident’s decision if they choose to activate it.
I planted flowers in the beds outside of my home? Who will maintain them? Do I still mow my own grass? We are happy to be able to offer many extended services such as landscaping and preventative maintenance. This means that you will no longer have to mow your grass! However, we do ask that you maintain the beds in front of your home, as well as any areas within a fenced- in area in your backyard. If you do not own a lawnmower, Forest City will have two “loaner” mowers available for the use of our Residents.
We are planning to purchase a new home. Will we be held to a one-year lease, or will we be able to terminate our lease before it ends? Although we are still finalizing the lease within the partnership, the proposed lease agreement does stipulate a lease termination clause, with a lease termination fee, for circumstances such as when a family purchases a home. We are also very sensitive to the needs of service members, so that if you should you need to terminate your lease due to a PCS, or change of duty, you would not be held responsible for any extra fees associated with the termination of your lease. However the lease does require that in any case, thirty (30-day) notices must be given, in writing, to your Neighborhood office.
We are moving. What will the check-out/move out procedures be and how do we coordinate everything? Please visit or call your Neighborhood Office to schedule your move out inspections. You will be given instructions for cleaning and will be able to discuss the requirements with the Management Team at that time.
What is the size of the new house vs. current house? Newly constructed homes will have a square footage range of 2379-2428. Existing homes has a square footage range of 1059-1565 depending on the style of the home.
I heard that we will have to pay for utilities? How does that work? The BAH includes an amount for utilities each month. Once the baseline for utilities is set, families will be charged for usage OVER this baseline. This means that if your baseline is $100, and you use $120 in gas, you will owe $20 for the month. Conversely, if your baseline is $100, and you use $80 in gas, you will be refunded $20 for that month since the BAH includes a certain amount for utility payments.
What is the timeframe before we will have to incur costs of utilities? The current estimate is two-three years before families in housing will begin paying for utilities in the homes.
Once the utility allowance has been set will we receive a reimbursement for monies allocated towards the allowance that are not used? At this time, guidelines have not been set in regards to any type of utility over payment or under payment.
Will there be traffic and noise from construction? To reduce the amount of traffic and noise Forest City will erect a ten-foot dust fence around all construction and renovation sites. Forest City will mandate reasonable hours for the start and completion of work. Residents will receive notifications of traffic plans as well as check the website for any changes.
What is the Relocation Schedule? Residents will be notified no less than 45 (forty-five) days in advance of the date they will be required to relocate. At that time, residents will meet with their Neighborhood Management Office to choose another home and finalize moving details. The partial DLA payment is paid 15-30 days after the move occurs.
Do I have the option to pay my rent monthly or to start an allotment? Yes, you can pay your rent via personal check each month, but you will be required to provide a security deposit equal to the amount of one months’ rent. This does not apply to families moving out between 1 Oct 2007 and 31 Dec 2007.
What is the Pet Policy? Forest city allows two pets per household. You will need to sign a pet addendum, and provide a picture of your pet for your file. There are certain breed restrictions for residents who move in after October 1, 2007, so please check with the Neighborhood Management Office for details on the restricted breeds. Breed restrictions will not affect residents living in housing prior to 1 October 2007.
Will residents have a Navy Housing representative available to them?
Yes, a Navy Housing representative will be available for residents should there be a matter that needs consultation or further discussion.
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