“We’re significant to the region around us. It’s our obligation that we do that, to see how the public sees us as a community neighbor... because these are cultural resources that are significant to the Air Force and the community around us,” Baker said.
RELATED: Future of historic brick homes in limbo
The Air Force is exploring 11 options for the 89 Tudor Revival-style homes in the Brick Quarters Historic District:
- Partial to total demolition
- From renovation to privatization,
- To building new homes,
- Or a combination of all of those alternatives.
The homes were built in the mid-1930s and are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
According to the Air Force, the future of the homes were under review because the Air Force needs to offer adequate housing for 30 "key and essential" personnel senior military and civilian personnel at Wright-Patterson who officials have said must live at the base because of their duties in the event of an emergency.
A major renovation could cost up to $700,000 per home and a less extensive upgrade focused on repairs could reach about $150,000 per house.
Whatever option is chosen, 10 government-owned homes built in 1975 along Yount Drive would be demolished, and the Foulois House, built in 1874 and home to a high-ranking general, would be renovated, plans show.
The homes are among the last in the government-owned housing in the Air Force.
Fifteen years ago, Wright-Patterson privatized more than 1,500 residences, but an Air Force study concluded those remaining "are not of adequate size and are not close enough" to the key leaders work sites to be considered alternatives.
The Air Force has scheduled a second environmental impact hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday. An open house is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. An overview of options is set for 6:30 p.m.
The meeting is in the Fairborn High School media center, 900 East Dayton Yellow Springs Road.
You may submit comments to Air Force Public Affairs, 5135 Pearson Road, Building 10, Room 235A, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433 or via email at 88abw.pa@us.af.mil or via http://wpafbhousingeis.versar.com.
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