Bedford Minuteman
Thursday, September 12, 2002

Hanscom homes may soon be private

By Stephen Hagan / Staff Writer

Of the 850 units of housing at Hanscom Air Force Base, many may eventually be privatized, complements of the U.S. Air Force.

Lincoln selectmen on Monday talked about the possible privatization of the homes, was well as the possibility the base may eventually close. The discussion followed a recent meeting held between local officials and representatives of the Air Force.

The discussion considered the possibility of new construction, as well as renovation to the existing units. Base housing is currently administered by the Air Force.

Lincoln Selectmen Sara Mattes, who attended the recent Hanscom meeting, said requests for proposals should go out sometime in December. Lincoln Town Administrator Tim Higgins said the target date for awarding contracts is October 2003.

The plan, according to Higgins, should not have an impact of the numbers of students attending school in Lincoln. Higgins has been in communication with Air Force officials, in an attempt to verify whether any base services might become Lincoln responsibilities.

"There is housing on base that already has been privatized," said Higgins. He said the original privatization effort at Hanscom began in the early '80s. The possibility of a possible base closing and what that would mean for Lincoln is too early to tell, according to Higgins. But he pointed to what he said were difficulties that surfaced at the former Devons Air Force Base when it closed a few years ago.

"What happens under the scenario of a base closing?" Higgins asked. "It would be impossible to tell how that plays out."

All 850 units are located in Lincoln, according to selectmen. Higgins said none of the structures fall under the purview of town bylaws.

"The Air Force is trying to upgrade the quality of life at Hanscom Air Force Base," said Mattes.

After Selectman Gary Taylor asked whether there would be any possibility civilian personnel will live in the privatized housing, Higgins admitted that possibility is unclear.

Mattes said there will be a public process to follow, including a public comment period where residents can weigh-in on their concerns over the idea.

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