KMC housing on schedule

While construction in base housing may seem to be never ending, KMC civil engineer officials say everything is on track and the end result will greatly enhance quality of life for servicemembers and their families.

Construction began in August 2004 on the first housing units on Ramstein, Vogelweh, Kapaun and Landstuhl, and is projected to be complete in September 2010.

The program is scheduled to demolish 588 units and construct and renovate a total of 888 units that will cost $337 million, said Karen J. Leonard, KMC housing director.

“The units are for active-duty servicemembers and their families, and have two, three and four bedrooms along with one and a half or two and a half bathrooms,” she said.

The kitchens are equiped with built-in dishwashers, ovens, cook tops, refrigerators and washers and dryers in each unit, Ms. Leonard said.

Aside from having high-efficiency equipment, each unit also has its own single car garage stall, said Scott Vincent, 435th Civil Engineer Squadron programs flight chief. Also, each unit is wired for Internet capability, as well as 220 and 110 voltages.

One of the biggest upgrades is that all units will have outdoor patios and a fenced-in yard.

The communities also have playgrounds, walking trails, physical fitness stations and underground trash containers, Ms. Leonard said.

But for many Airmen looking forward to moving in, the on-base housing area offers more than just nice living quarters.

“I’m looking forward to moving on base to have that extra sense of security,” said Susie DeLuca, wife of Airman 1st Class Michael DeLuca, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electronic and environmental specialist. “Living off base in a foreign country is great and offers things you are unable to experience while living on base. But living behind gates that are controlled 24 hours a day is a great feeling of security.”

Though the completion seems a ways away, the status of the construction is going smoothly, Mr. Vincent said.

“We have completed construction on approximately 500 of the units,” he said, adding that the biggest benefit of the new homes will definitely be enhanced quality of life for KMC servicemembers and their families.