Wing holds town hall meeting to discuss private housing Published July 28, 2011 By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Seymour Johnson officials along with Picerne Military Housing officials hosted a town hall meeting to discuss the future plans for base housing here, July 26 at the base theater. Residents were able to ask several questions directly to housing officials and addressed many concerns such as pets, utility bills and room authorizations. Donald Abrams, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron asset management flight chief, was on hand to explain how military families would transition to privatized housing. "Picerne Military Housing is going to do many great things here," he said. "They are looking to build a new sports complex, a community center, a boy/girl scout facility and a new pool." There will be several changes from base housing that most families are accustomed to, including free landscaping and yard up-keeping and new walking and biking trails. Also, more than 170 new homes will be built with more square footage and modern design styles for future Seymour Johnson families. Along with the new program comes a one-year lease agreement that must be signed by the military member. The lease comes with a standard military clause for a permanent change of station and includes renters insurance on the property. While there were many questions and concerns about the privatization of housing here, wing leadership was on hand to reassure Airmen that the safety and morale of the 4th Fighter Wing families will remain paramount. Nothing will change," said Col. Patrick Doherty, 4th FW commander. "We will still provide a very safe community for our families."