Fort Rucker RV, boat storage policies change

By Russell Sellers, Army Flier StaffJune 16, 2011

Fort Rucker RV, boat storage policies change
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Recreational vehicle and boat owners on post now have a few more storage options thanks to recent changes to Fort Rucker Regulation 190-5, Fort Rucker Safety and Picerne Military Housing officials said.

As of June 6, RV and boat owners living on post may store their vehicles in carports and garages as long as the equipment does not extend beyond the carport and allows any garage doors to fully close, said Maj. Jay Massey, Directorate of Public Safety deputy provost marshal.

“If you’ve got a boat and can safely back it in and close the door completely, it’s fine,” he said. “The rationale is, if someone is living on post and they’ve got something like a two-day fishing trip on Lake Tholocco planned, they want to be able to leave it at their house over the weekend.”

The changes to the regulation continue by adding “residents may have their RVs and equipment in driveways during weekends and holidays from 6 p.m. the day prior to the weekend or holiday to 9 a.m. the first day following the weekend or holiday.”

Robert Frazier, Picerne community management director, said the changes in the regulation will help alleviate some issues and make life more convenient for RV and boat owners on post while still keeping strict safety rules in place.

“If someone has a smaller boat, now they can bring it to their house instead of taking it to the storage lot,” he said. “The vehicles still have to be stored in something secure for safety. The worst possible scenario would be someone’s child popping out from behind an RV in the path of an oncoming vehicle. That’s why the rule is in place about not parking these vehicles in the street.”

Improving the curb appeal and safety of the various neighborhoods around the installation is a top priority for Picerne, according to Brandon Masters, Picerne communications manager.

“The positive on this is that it ensures even better safety in the neighborhoods by keeping the area clear for emergency vehicles,” he said. “It’s going to have a positive effect on the installation.”

While DPS enforces the regulation all over the installation, Picerne is responsible for notifying those who violate the rules of the regulation.

“On a first violation we’ll start with a courtesy call to let them know about the problem,” Frazier said. “If that doesn’t work then a follow-up letter will be sent. If there’s still no response after that then we’ll send the problem through the proper chain of command.”

Patrons wishing to store their oversized vehicles at times other than weekends and holidays on post must use the RV Storage Lot on Hatch Road across from the riding stables and Silver Wings Golf Course. If the storage lot is full, patrons must make other arrangements for off-post storage, according to the regulation.

All vehicles to be stored at the storage lot must be registered with the Fort Rucker Arts and Crafts Center on Fifth Avenue. Proof of ownership and ID card are required for registration.