Wing commander addresses housing surplus at town meeting Published Nov. 15, 2007 By Daryl Mayer 88 ABW Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Col. Colleen Ryan, 88th Air Base Wing commander, held a town meeting Nov. 13 in Chapel 1 to confront growing speculation that some Wright-Patterson housing was set to be demolished. "Not today, not tomorrow, not in the next year," said Col. Ryan rebutting the notion that a demolition project was imminent. It is true, the colonel said, that the base has surplus housing and an effort to reduce that surplus is being planned. Both the privatized areas, the Prairies and the Woods, are privately owned and the Brick Quarters are historic, which leaves Green Acres and Pine Estates as the only candidates for reduction. A project to demolish those units is being worked, but will take time to plan and fund, she said. There are currently 122 families in Green Acres and Pine Estates, according to Terry Mathews, Base Housing Chief. The housing office stopped assigning new personnel to those quarters over the summer. The plan is to allow normal personnel moves, retirements and separations to mitigate the need for any directed moves. "I'd like to say you will all PCS before any of this becomes necessary, but that isn't likely," Col. Ryan said. She assured residents they would have ample notice and the option to move off base or to the privatized housing areas. All directed moves will be funded by the government, but if a resident chooses to move prior to being directed to move, the resident will bear the expense. The colonel also said the option to start demolishing vacant units while residents are still in the areas was flatly rejected. During the question period, the issue of maintenance was raised. The colonel stated the 88th Civil Engineer Directorate would continue to maintain the quarters, including the vacant ones. "If any problems arise, I encourage you to contact Mr. Mathews," said Col. Ryan.