Construction / Renovation Questions
Q: What are the plans for new construction and renovation of current housing?
Overview of the Project
Balfour Beatty Communities is proud and honored to be an active partner in the revitalization and preservation of all the beautiful and historic homes at West Point. On 1 August 2008, 961 homes were conveyed to the project. The development plan for the project consists of the demolition of 196 homes, renovation of 224 historic homes, the conversion of 182 duplex homes to 91 single family homes, and the construction of 158 new homes. The end-state number of only 824 homes at the end of the Initial Development Period will be achieved in July 2016. The decrease in the number of homes will be accomplished through demolition of outdated existing homes and the conversion of 182 homes into 91 larger, newly renovated homes.
Project Construction Status
Construction will be completed in three phases which all end in September 2011. Construction began on Phase One in January 2009 and was completed in February 2010 with the completion of 28 new homes. This Phase had the lion’s share of the difficult earthwork. Phase Two construction is well underway. As of Aug 2010, 37 of 42 additional new 3 and 4 bedroom field grade homes have been delivered. The remaining 5 homes are scheduled for completion by September 2010. Phase Three construction will deliver the remaining 88 homes to include new senior NCO homes starting in May 2011 and finishing in September 2011.
Project Renovation Status
The renovation plan is underway with many homes currently under renovation. Planned renovations are closely coordinated with the State Historic Preservation Office and the West Point Cultural Resource Office. West Point is a National Historic Landmark District and there are over 400 historic homes. Some of the historic homes date back to the early to mid 19th century. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the first completed home was executed on 16 June 2009. As of August 2010 the project has completed 31 of 224 historic renovations and 17 of 91 historic conversions. Renovations will continue throughout the Initial Development Period which ends in July 2016.
Q: Who pays for the move if I choose to move into the local economy instead?
A: Balfour Beatty Communities will make every effort to maintain your residency. The choice to move into the local economy is yours. However, the move would be at your own expense if comparable housing is available within the our Community.
Q: How much notice will be given prior to the move?
A: All efforts will be made to provide as much notice as possible. However, you will be given a minimum of 30 days notice.
Q: If I am moved out of my home due to renovation/demolition will I automatically be moved into one of the newly constructed homes?
A: No. Balfour Beatty Communities knows how stessful it can be to move as often as Military Families. Our goal is to place you in a permanent home that your family can enjoy during the duration of your tour.
Q: If I am moved due to renovation/demolition, will I have to clean my home?
A: The home must be clean from a health and safety perspective and the appliances must be fully cleaned, however, the standards of cleanliness will be less than for a unit that will be immediately reoccupied. you will be provided those standards by the Community Management Office.
Q: If my neighborhood is part of the construction and I have to move, who will pay for the move?
A: Your move will be paid for by Balfour Beatty Communities. You will also receive a utility reimbursement check to cover the expenses to transfer your cable and telephone services.
Utility Questions
Q: Will I have to pay utilities for my home?
A: Utilities (gas, electric, water and sewer) are included in your rent. Once all of the homes in a neighborhood are equipped with electric and gas meters, consumption and costs will be tracked for one year. An average consumption will be determined for each type of unit in each neighborhood and 115% of this average will be established as the utility allowance. You will be responsible for any amounts over the 115% average that has been established. You will receive rebates for consumption under 100%.
Q: When will homes be metered?
A: Homes will be metered as they are built or renovated. There is not a specific timetable for this addition. However, we anticipate that it will occur within the next four to six years.
Miscellaneous Questions
Q: Will I have to mow my own lawn?
A: Balfour Beatty Communities will mow all grass except for fenced in yards.
Q: Will there be a self-help program?
A: Balfour Beatty Communities will have on-site professional maintenance personnel to provide responsive care for every home. We ask residents to leave home repairs to these professionals by calling in a service request at 845-446-3570. However, a self-help facility will be provided where residents may obtain common yard materials, filters, etc. at 695 Buckner Loop.
Payment Questions
Q: If both spouses are service members, do they both "forfeit" BAH rent?
A: Dual Military will pay rent equal to the "with dependents" BAH of the higher ranking spouse. This holds true, regardless of which spouse carries the dependents on their Page 2 and whether or not the "with dependents" rate is paid to that Member. The second spouse will collect their entire BAH in their LES unaffected by Balfour Beatty Communities.
Q: Is the Security Deposit refundable?
A: Yes. These monies will be refunded to you when you move out, if all payments have been made and there is no excess damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Q: If my rent is late, do I need to pay a late fee?
A: The late fee for rent and all other charges not paid in a timely manner is $25.00.
Q: How much is my rent?
A: The amount of your rent is equal to West Point's BAH based on your rank.
Q: If I receive a promotion or demotion, what is the amount of my rent?
A: The rent will increase for a promotion and decrease for a demotion. The rental amount is always the amount of the BAH. It is your responsibility to notify the Community Management Office at 845-446-6407 within five (5) days of any promotions or demotions.
Q: What is the eviction policy?
A: Residents may be evicted for non-payment, egregious acts, or failure to follow Community Policies. The Command will always be involved in all eviction proceedings.
Q: Will I start to receive BAH?
A: Military Families living in Privatized Housing will collect the BAH.
Q: Now that BAH is noted on my LES, is this amount taxable?
A: No, BAH is not taxable.
Q: When BAH increases, what happens to the amount of my rent?
A: Rent will increase the same amount as BAH, effective immediately.
Q: What does my rent include?
A: Your rent will include your electric, gas, water, sewer and fuel oil for heat. It also includes a Personal Property insurance policy to cover your personal belongings up to $20,000 with a $250 per incident deductible.
Q: Who is responsible for answering our payment questions?
A: You may direct your questions to the Community Management Office at 845-446-6407.
Q: Will rent be prorated if I move out other than the last day of the month?
A: The month will be divided in to 30 equal periods, despite the numbers of days in any given month. The rent will be assessed only for the days you lived in housing.
Q: How will I pay rent?
A: When you sign your lease, you will be asked to choose a payment option- either "Payment by Allotment” or "Direct Pay".
If you choose "Payment by Allotment", your BAH will wired to the Military Assistance Corporation (MAC) who is a contractor that collects allotments and remits these payments to vendors. MAC will wire the funds to West Point Housing, LLC (Balfour Beatty Communities). You will see your BAH on your LES as a credit to your pay. In addition, there will be a discretionary allotment listed payable to West Point Housing, LLC. The advantages of the "Payment by Allotment" option are that you will not be required to pay a security deposit and your rent will be collected in arrears in accordance with your pay schedule.
If you choose "Direct Payment" you will need to make your rental payments directly to the Community Management Office. You will be required to pay a Security Deposit equal to one month's of rent.
For Service Members in the Marines:
The same applies as the answer above, however, you are responsible for filling out an Allotment Form (DD Form 2558) and forwarding your copy of the DD Form 2558 to your finance administrator.
For Service Members in the Coast Guard:
The same applies as the answer above, however, you are responsible for filling out an Allotment Worksheet (CG PSC-2040). Balfour Beatty Communities maintains a copy of the PSC-2040 and you take the original signed PSC-2040 to your PERSRU Office for initiation of the rent allotment.
Pet Questions
Q: Is there a pet weight/policy?
A: The number of pets in a home is limited to two. Other restrictions apply. Consult the Resident Guide or contact the Community Management Office at 845-446-6407. Residents living in housing prior to July 1, 2008 will be allowed to maintain their existing pets if they execute a "Pet Addendum".
Assignment Questions
Q: How will the waiting list process be managed?
A: The Balfour Beatty Communities Management Office will maintain the waiting lists by rank and bedroom size.
Q: How will the Assignment process work?
A: Contact the Balfour Beatty Communities Management Office at 845-446-6407 to complete your application. Once the application is received Balfour Beatty Communities will determine your entitlement (number of bedrooms) and if there is a home (s) available.
Q: Can a family be moved from a three bedroom to a two bedroom if they only have one child?
A: No. Once settled in, you will not be downgraded regardless of a reduction in family composition.
Q: What happens if my family size increases?
A: You go to the Balfour Beatty Communities Management Office at 132 Bartlett Loop to be placed on the proper waiting list.
Maintenance Questions
Q: Who will provide maintenance for my home?
A: Balfour Beatty Communities provides maintenance services.
Q: Who do we contact with concerns about maintenance issues?
A: Residents may contact the Service Request Desk at 845-446-3570.
Q: How do we make a maintenance request?
A: Residents will be provided a telephone number at their installation to report an emergency, or to request maintenance repairs at 845-446-3570.
Leasing Questions
Q: What if I receive orders to PCS or TDY for more than ninety days?
A: The lease contains provisions that will allow you to terminate your lease with a thirty (30) day written notice and a copy of the orders.
Q: What if I receive immediate orders and am not able to provide a thirty (30) day written notice?
A: The lease allows you the flexibility to provide a shorter notice if you should receive immediate orders. Proper documentation is required in order to honor the notice reduction.
Q: Do I have to sign a lease?
A: Yes, all residents will be required to sign a lease in order to protect themselves as well as the partnership.
Q: What if I decide to "break" my lease for other reasons, prior to the six month expiration?
A: You will be required to provide a thirty (30) days written notice and pay a lease termination fee equal to one month's BAH.
Q: What is the length of the lease?
A: The lease will be for 1 year and then continue thereafter on a month- to- month basis.
Q: What happens if a divorce occurs in a family residing in Housing?
A: The policy is the same as when the Housing was operated by the Army. The first day that the service member resides away from the home, a thirty (30) day written notice must be submitted. The spouse and the family will be required to vacate the home within thirty (30) days of physical separation. In this case, the lease may be broken without an early termination fee due to a change in family status.
Q: How will I sign the lease if military member is deployed?
A: Please designate a special or general power-of-attorney for your spouse. If you are unable to do that, please contact the Community Management Office at 845-446-6407 for further assistance.