BRAC Update: Picerne Military Housing braces for BRAC changes Published Jan. 30, 2009 By Scarlett Tyner Picerne Military Housing POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- A new flag waving across the street from 43rd Airlift Wing Headquarters is perhaps the most visible symbol of the increasing Army presence at Pope Air Force Base. Emblazoned with the 82nd Airborne Division's patch surrounded by parachutist's wings and the words "All American," the flag is a quiet reminder that Army families are filling many homes where Air Force families once lived. Until just over a year ago, however, few Soldiers and Airmen lived next door to one another. That was until the Army and Picerne Military Housing began managing Pope's 627 homes in September 2007. Realigning Pope's family housing under the Army was the first major step toward the transformation of Pope Air Force Base to Pope Army Airfield, a transformation set in action by 2005's Base Realignment and Closure recommendations. Today, that transformation is well under way. Fifty-nine percent of Pope homes, for instance, are occupied by Army families. Complete base realignment is expected to require several more years, but housing was selected as one of the first components to realign, due in large part to Picerne's privatization successes at Fort Bragg. Picerne began a 50-year partnership with the Army and Fort Bragg in 2003 and now manages a growing inventory of more than 5,900 on-base homes in 10 neighborhoods, including Pope. In just five years, the company has demolished more than 400 outdated homes and built more than 1,300 new four-bedroom homes. In addition, older and historic homes have been upgraded to meet modern standards through more than 1,800 home renovations. "Our mission is to put families first regardless of military affiliation," said Kurt Ehlers, who heads Picerne's operations at Bragg and Pope. "To that end, we're investing millions to improve housing for both our Soldiers and Airmen." This year alone, the company will invest $2.5 million to renovate 117 homes at Pope. The upgrades will vary according to home type and condition but could include such enhancements as carpet installation, floor repair or replacement, interior and exterior painting or pressure washing, new blinds, improved landscaping, improved plumbing, new appliance installation, repair or replacement of heating and air conditioning units, upgrades to bath hardware or mirrors, and improved cabinetry and countertops. Two million dollars in additional renovations are also underway to transform the Pope Youth Center into the Pope Neighborhood Center. The Neighborhood Center will be a family-friendly facility offering residents access to dedicated neighborhood management offices, a game room, a multi-purpose room with overlooking kitchen for hosting events, a Wii café, a club room with fireplace, a fitness room, a full indoor basketball court, a resort-style pool, a skate park and a playground. The completely renovated facility will feature an Air Force inspired interior design theme and is expected to open to residents within a few weeks. The exterior amenities will open this spring. Picerne has opened six similar Neighborhood Centers at Fort Bragg, and all Pope families currently benefit from access to the upscale amenities they offer. Improved services are another advantage of Picerne's privatization. Pope families, both Army and Air Force, are enjoying 24-hour responsive maintenance and lawn mowing services, which are included at no extra charge. In addition, the merger of housing has increased the housing options available to incoming families. Soldiers and Airmen may now choose to live at either Fort Bragg or Pope and may qualify for recently-constructed four bedroom homes. Single or unaccompanied Airmen and Soldiers may also lease an apartment at Randolph Pointe, Picerne's new luxury apartment community for senior enlisted service members and officers. Mr. Ehlers added, "We take our responsibilities seriously because we understand the contributions we make to both mission readiness and quality of life for our families." For more information about Picerne Military Housing, visit www.braggpicerne.com or www.randolphpointe.com.