Construction / Renovation Questions
Q: I've heard that there will be more new homes here on Fort Carson - is that true?
A: We just finished a 408-home expansion, and have recently broken ground to add another 308 homes to support continued growth at Fort Carson. Chippewa Village, between gate 1 and the PX, will add 180 junior enlisted homes. We are going to expand Iroquois Village, adding 120 more duplexes for senior enlisted and junior officer families. We will meet the need for more field grade homes by adding 8 homes on Ute Hill, in the area between upper and lower Ute.
Q: What ranks will get new homes?
A: We are adding homes for junior enlisted Soldiers ( E1 through E4) at Chippewa, senior enlisted and junior officers, (E8 through 03), at Iroquois, and field grade (specifically 05's) at Ute Hill.
Q: Will there also be more renovation on Fort Carson as well?
A: Great news- we've received funding to complete central air conditioning installation in the remaining 814 homes still without it! Those installs began in May, 2010 and will be complete in early fall.
Utility Questions
Q: How do I establish telephone services and cable TV?
A: You will establish your Phone and cable service with our current providers: Phone Service, DirecTV, internet service - Existing/Renovated and newly constructed housing units contact American Warrior Network (AWN), (719) 527-0814. Phone Service, Cable Service, Cable internet service - contact Baja Broadband, Phone (719) 576-7404
Q: Why do we have to start paying for utilities?
A: Actually, you have been paying utilities for the past few years - in your BAH and your rent. Your rent has been established as the same amount as your BAH. BAH includes a utilities component so normal utility use is covered. More information can be found in the Resident Responsibility Program.
Miscellaneous Questions
Q: Is there a curfew?
A: Fort Carson has a curfew and everyone under the age of 18 must be home by 2200 (10:00 p.m.) on weekdays and 2400 (12:00 a.m.) on weekends. All other questions should be directed to the Military Police (719) 526-2333.
Q: Who can help me with child care questions?
A: Contact the Child Development Center (CDS) at (719)526-1100, DSN 691-1100. They will answer your childcare questions.
Q: What is the Home Alone Policy for children?
A: Children under the age of ten cannot be left unattended (or left attended by a child under the age of 12) for an inappropriate period of time. For all other questions regarding the Home Alone Policy contact Tammy Thrasher at 526-1100, or read S-14 in the Commanding Generals Policy File.
General Area Questions
Q: What is the housing situation for this area?
A: On Post: If you live on the installation, your housing is privatized, and professionally managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. We are fortunate to have mayors for each village which assist in making your transition to Fort Carson smooth, and they strive to keep your neighborhood a great place to call home. For updated information call 719-579-1606, ext 250 or 251. .
Off Post: Housing in the Colorado Springs area is in demand and tends toward the moderate-high price range. To assist soldiers and families in this area, Fort Carson has a Housing Services Office (HSO) located on the first floor of the Colorado Inn, at 7301 Woodfill Road. Many Landlords in the Colorado Springs area provide special incentives to Fort Carson soldiers. Incentives offered are: reduced or no security deposits, reduced rent during deployment no application or credit check fees, etc. The HSO manager will also assist with any landlord/tenant disputes. The HSO office can be reached at 719-526-2323 or DSN 691-2323. Hours are 0700-1600, M-F.
BY A DIRECT ORDER OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL, ALL SERVICE MEMBERS ARRIVING AT FORT CARSON MUST VISIT THE COMMUNITY HOME FINDING RELOCATION REFERRAL SERVICE OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING INTO ANY RENTAL OR SALES AGREEMENT.
Q: Is there any temporary lodging within the area?
A: Colorado Inn is located on Fort Carson, Bldg 7301 on Woodfill Rd. Please make reservations before arriving at Fort Carson. This is critical especially in the summer months, Colorado Springs is a tourist town! Please call for reservations at (719)526-2527\4832 or DSN 691-2527\4832. You may also call 1-800-GO-ARMY1.
Q: Do you have any driving directions available?
A: From the Colorado Springs Airport. Following the Airport road exit which turns into Drennan Rd turn left onto Academy Blvd. Turn right at B-Street exit, turn left on B-Street. This is the B-Street gate. Follow the brown signs to the Welcome Center or Colorado Inn (billeting).
From Denver. Take I-25 South heading towards Colorado Springs. Take CO-83/Academy Blvd exit number 135. Keep right at the fork in the ramp. Merge onto South Academy Blvd. Turn right at B-Street exit, turn left on B-Street. This is the B-Street gate. Follow the brown signs to the Welcome Center or Colorado Inn (Billeting).
From Pueblo. Take I-25 North heading towards Colorado Springs. Take the CO-83/Academy Blvd exit number 135. Keep left at the fork in the ramp. Turn left onto S Academy Blvd/CO-83. Turn right at B-Street exit, turn left on B-Street. This is the B-Street gate. Follow the brown signs to the Welcome Center or Colorado Inn (billeting).
Q: What are the high altitude effects?
A: Fort Carson's high altitude (approx - 6200 ft ASL) requires a period of acclimation, usually 2-4 weeks. Contact Occupational Health at (719) 526-6145/DSN 691-6145 for specific guidelines. Altitude also requires special cooking techniques and, sometimes, a car requires a tune-up to operate efficiently and to pass the state vehicle emissions test.
High altitude cooking adjustments are listed for your convenience; for more information call CSU Extension Service at (719) 636-8924, M-F 0800-1200 and 1300-1700. * for each tsp. of baking powder or baking soda, decrease by 1/4 tsp. * for each cup of sugar, decrease by 2 tablespoons * for each cup of liquid, increase by 4 tablespoons * increase oven temperature by 25 degrees.
Q: Are there any weather precautions that I should take?
A: The weather can change very suddenly around here, so it is good to be prepared. You should always carry extra clothes, water, and a flashlight in your car at all times.Go to www.weather.com for hourly updates.
Q: Are there any important documents that I should carry on me?
A: Anyone assigned to Ft. Carson should carry assignment orders, leave forms, military identification, marriage certificates, immigration paperwork and passports, shot records, pet records, medical and dental records, and school records.
Q: Where are the nearest airports?
A: Fort Carson is located 60 miles south of Denver on Interstate 25, exit 135.
Colorado Springs Airport is currently served by ten airline carriers and is located about ten miles from Ft. Carson. The Armed Forces YMCA Booth, located near baggage claim area #4, is available for assistance. Military transportation is available 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-279-1151. Greyhound also has a bus terminal in Colorado Springs.
Denver International Aiport is served by almost every major carrier and is located approximately 120 miles north of Colorado Springs.
Q: How is the Cost of Living in this area?
A: The cost of living is moderate in the area. The highest out of pocket expense is housing. The majority of soldiers assigned to Fort Carson live in the surrounding community. The housing situation off post is very limited. All soldiers must report to the Housing Servicesl Office located in Bldg 7301, Woodfill Rd. For more specific information call, (719)526-2323/DSN 691-2323. Early contact with HSO allows time for mailing an information packet with apartments guides and/or home buying guides.
Pet Questions
Q: Can I bring any pets?
A: Pets are welcomed, but it is advised that you check with the Colorado Inn Front Desk (temp Lodging) for their pet policy, and for hotels in the area that are pet friendly. They can be reached at 719-526-2527, DSN 691-2527. Each apartment community has pet policies which range from the number of pets one can have to the weight, and breed. Fort Carson Family Housing accepts two walking pets per home, and does not currently have any weight restrictions, however we do restrict the following breeds: Rottweiler, Pit Bull, Chow, Doberman, Mastiff, Wolf Breed, American Staffordshire Terrior, and English Bull Terrior. This policy was administered on October 1, 2008. Families owning a restricted breed prior to October 1st will be grandfathered and may keep the pet (s). Anyone not able to provide evidence that the pet was registered on post and residing on post prior to October 1st, will have to remove the animal from the home or relocate off post. Most apartment communities charge a pet deposit as well as monthly pet rent, in some cases per pet. Breed and weight restrictions are also in place at many apartment communities.
Q: May we have pets?
A: Yes, you may have 2 walking pets, but NO farm animals or exotic pets. You will be responsible for any pet damages.
Assignment Questions
Q: How do I terminate the lease for my quarters? Will this still be an item on my clearance form?
A: You will terminate quarters by notifying the leasing office, 30 days in advance, in writing. Yes, this will continue to be an item on your clearance form. Call the Fort Carson Family Housing Leasing Office at (719) 579-1606, ext 250 or 251.
Q: Where should I report procedures?
A: All incoming personnel, LTC and below, must report to the Welcome Center regardless of direct unit of assignment. The Welcome Center is open 24 hours a day and will schedule your inproccessing appointment. If you have a sponsor you should contact him/her at this time. Incoming civilians should report to Civilian Personnel Advisory Center, located in Bldg 6223 on Prussman Ave.
Q: Is there a Newcomers Briefing that I have to attend?
A: All incoming soldiers are required to attend a newcomers briefing after their arrival to Ft. Carson. Your unit will inform you of the details. Spouses are encouraged to attend.
Maintenance Questions
Q: Who do we call about service requests, self-help, complaints, questions?
A: Please contact Balfour Beatty Communities at (719) 579-1605 with service requests, and use the same self help procedures.
Leasing Questions
Q: What happens if I decide to retire? Have a home built or buy a home? May I terminate my lease?
A: Each situatoni is different and you will work with the Balfour Beatty Communities Leasing Office. A thirty day notice is required in most cases, and a termination fee must apply if you are terminating your lease for reasons other than Deployment, PCS orders, ETS orders, Chapters, etc or family separation.
Q: Who may I allow to live in my quarters?
A: Your immediate family only - spouse, children, and other family members declared on your orders. Tenant may NOT allow any other person(s) to reside in their quarters in excess of 90 days per each 365 calendar day year. For exceptions please call the Fort Carson Family Housing Leasing Office at (719) 579-1606, ext 250 or 251.
Q: Will I need renters insurance?
A: Balfour Beatty Communities provides all residents with an insurance policy that covers up to $20,000.00 in personal property coverage. Brochures are given out at move-in and are available in the leasing office. It's crucial that all claims be reported within 24 hours, photos taken of damaged items and an incident report completed by the community management office. An inventory of all claimed items will be necessary, and in the absence of receipts, cost comparisons f rom stores or the internet will be sufficient. We recommend that you obtain "Renter's Insurance" for additional coverage. Damage to vehicles caused by acts of nature are not covered and should be filed with an individual's automobile insurance.
Q: Who may enter my home?
A: The lease specifies that the Fort Carson Family Housing personnel may enter your home to make repairs, with a 24 hour notice to you. In an emergency situation, they may enter without notice.
Q: How do I pay my rent?
A: For Service Members in the Army, Navy and Air Force:
Rent is paid by Allotment. Your BAH will be wired to the Military Assistance Corporation (MAC) who is a contractor that collects allotments and remits these payments to vendors. MAC will wire the funds to Fort Carson Family Housing, LLC (Balfour Beatty Communities). You will see your BAH on your LES as an entitlement and as a payment to Fort Carson Family Housing, LLC. The advantages of payment by Allotment are that you will not be required to pay a Security Deposit and your rent will be due in arrears.
For Service Members in the Marines:
The same applies as the answer above, however, you are responsible for filling out an Allotment Form (DD Form 2558) and forwarding your copy of the DD Form 2558 to your finance administrator.
For Service Members in the Coast Guard:
The same applies as the answer above, however, you are responsible for filling out an Allotment Worksheet (CG PSC-2040). Balfour Beatty Communities maintains a copy of the PSC-2040 and you take the original signed PSC-2040 to your PERSRU Office for initiation of the rent allotment.