Privatized housing lease signings underway Published May 21, 2012 By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez g MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- More than 850 residents at Minot Air Force Base recently participated in a mass lease signing event held at the Roughrider Community Center, as part of the base's final phase for transitioning to privatized housing. Currently, the base is home to 1,744 units which will be operated by Northern Group Housing, LLC, and entity managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The mass lease signings were made available during a three-day period from May 16 to 18. During the sit-down lease signings, residents had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the privatization project, learn more about the new policies and procedures, as well as meet the Balfour Beatty Communities staff. Tana Waldren, Community Manager for Balfour Beatty Communities, said their goal was to have all leases on base signed by June 30. Waldren also indicated they would look to hold another mass lease signing event in the near future to accommodate base personnel schedules. The transition to the privatized housing project is scheduled for August 1. The housing privatization initiative at Minot AFB is part of the Air Force's larger program to eliminate inadequate housing and reduce costs for the Department of Defense. Northern Group Housing is partnering with the base to renovate, construct and manage all family housing areas. One of the benefits of housing privatization is it shifts the renovations, construction, operations and maintenance responsibilities to the private sector, allowing base personnel to focus on the mission and its Airmen. Housing privatization also benefits Airmen and their families by providing enhanced residential amenities, including community centers, indoor play areas, playgrounds, multi-purpose sport courts, jogging trails, picnic shelters and more. Balfour Beatty Communities will provide an on-site resident specialist who will be available to answer questions and provide assistance to Airmen and their families in all aspects of housing, from initial move-in through move-out. Waldren explained one of Balfour Beatty Communities' primary goals is to develop a strong sense of community so that the Airmen and their families truly feel at home, regardless of how long they are stationed here. If you have questions or need additional information regarding the privatized housing project, visit www.minotfamilyhousing.com.