Plans for additional homes on Fort Drum underway

FORT DRUM, N.Y. Aca,!" Plans for new single-family and duplex-styled homes on Fort Drum are moving forward. Construction and management of additional homes have advanced to defense oversight agencies and North Country community partners.

The current proposal enlists designer and developer Actus Lend Lease and Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes , to construct and manage 554 ENERGY STAR certified homes. This is part of expansion efforts as the Fort Drum Community works with Army's privatization partners to adjust to the addition of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team and Grow the Army units.

Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes is building 845 new homes, four community centers, and is conducting renovations of 2,272 existing homes. The original development plan was amended last year with the addition of The Timbers apartment community. The Timbers is scheduled for occupancy in 2009 with 192 suite-styled apartments for unaccompanied senior enlisted Soldiers and officers.

"Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes is proud to work with the FDRLO (Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization) and other local development groups on this additional construction,Aca,!A? said Joseph McLaughlin, FDMCH project director. Aca,!A"We are committed to providing quality product to Soldiers, following exemplary business practices and illustrating what it means to be a good neighbor to all the North Country.Aca,!A?

The proposed new homes are divided between the Indian River School District and the Carthage Central School District. The Army and Actus are working with the local school districts on this anticipated growth.

"Congress appropriated $75 million in 2007 for an additional equity contribution in response to the 3rd Brigade stationing at Fort Drum and the projected deficit of housing. Previous discussions involved the construction of 320 additional homes, but due to the addition of a Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at Fort Drum by 2013, this number is amended to 554, with final completion anticipated in July 2011," said Jim Corriveau, Fort Drum Public Works director.