Purpose
The purpose of this task is to identify the type of housing desired and its availability based on the anticipated incoming population driven by BRAC-related job relocations. The Consultant Team will complete a thorough analysis of the housing market in the primary study region paying particular attention to general types of structures and pricing. Projections pertaining to future demand and supply issues will be developed.
Research
Focus groups will be convened and surveys distributed to identify housing demands and challenges to meeting this demand. Working with input from the Advisory Committee, the Consultant Team will assemble focus groups of recently relocated military civilian and contractor employees to ascertain primary considerations in making home purchase decisions. These focus groups will be representative of the diverse workforce relocating to the primary study area. The groups will be used to determine the impact of various housing choice factors including, but not limited to, pricing, location, schools, roads, types of structures, size and home amenities.
Primary housing concerns, issues and factors will also be determined through the use of on-line survey instruments. Focus groups in the National Capital Region (NCR) of BRAC-impacted employees will be assembled to validate on-line survey results.
The Consultant Team will perform an analysis of the existing real estate market. Pertinent factors and significant data will be analyzed from the following:
- Building permits;
- Multiple Listing Services (MLS);
- Boards of Realtors;
- Apartment Associations;
- Utility service providers;
- Septic tank inspections conducted by health departments;
- Recommendations from planning commissions and planning departments;
- Regional Builders Associations; and
- Regional housing affordability using ACCRA data.
The regional housing market has recently added several new housing options including downtown condominiums, live/work/play developments, and other non-traditional housing choices. An assessment will be made of these housing trends as well as assisted living and housing targeted towards the elderly. Relevant data gathered through TASK 5 – EDUCATION and TASK 6 – PUBLIC UTILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE will be included in this task as necessary.
Work Products
| 1. | A draft report identifying the type of housing desired, its availability, and the price ranges within the primary study area will be submitted within four months of the notice to proceed. The report will provide an assessment of on-post housing at Redstone Arsenal. It will include the quantification of units by size and anticipated future demand, as well as the Arsenal’s provisions for future on-post housing should unforeseen demand materialize. |
| 2. | A final report will be submitted within eight months of the notice to proceed. |