Family housing project moving -- slowly Published March 3, 2011 By Rob Sexton 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Demolition of more than 600 units of Shaw's 40- to 50-year old housing continues as family housing inches toward privatization. The conversion from government-owned to privately-owned is currently on hold, Shaw housing officials admitted. They explained, "The reduction in the Basic Allowance for Housing rates from 2010 to 2011 across the AF resulted in a significant gap between the scope that was proposed for the project and the project's financial projections," according to Scott Sheehan, a contract employee in the Shaw housing office. The Air Force leaders of the privatization program came up with "five courses of action to close the gap in February and is awaiting a decision," he added. "Once a decision is made, the project will continue toward closing." Sheehan said, "Although the schedule is on hold, we are still proceeding with completing the work required to close the deal. That should ultimately minimize any schedule delays." Asked what is the next major milestone, Sheehan noted, "The next major milestone is project closing," (meaning privatization takes effect). Originally planned for March or April, he said, "That should occur in the June to August timeframe." Sheehan added that what everyone will see as the next major event is a town hall meeting to discuss project details and begin the transition process. This is likely to occur in April, he thinks. Construction of about 600 new housing units will probably begin "two to three months after closing," he suggested, and said that means, "August to October 2011." Demolition of all the old housing will be done in phases, Sheehan went on, meaning some houses will be constructed, residents moved into new homes, then the old homes demolished to make room for construction on the next phase of homes. "We do not know how many total phases there will be but Forest City (overall contractor) is currently estimating the entire effort to take 49 months or so from the start of construction. He concluded, "Final demolition of the last old home will be at the very end of this period."