GROTON, Conn. — Navy families say they have experienced heating issues, unanswered maintenance requests and overpriced units among other problems at privately managed military housing in Connecticut.
The Day reported that residents aired their grievances during a public meeting Monday about housing near the Naval Submarine Base in Groton.
Fifteen-year Navy veteran Kevin Groover said he expected a better standard of living when he returned from serving overseas with his wife in 2016. However, he said he was disappointed.
"We're in the Navy," he said. "This is not how it's supposed to be."
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Some residents complained about bathroom mold, while others questioned whether the units were worth the $1,800 or $2,000 housing allowance they received.
The meeting came after Congress asked for more information about reports of substandard living conditions for military families across the country.
Base commanding officer Capt. Paul Whitescarver said Monday the Navy is looking to identify systemic issues and is concerned about conditions that jeopardize the safety of residents.
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He said housing is vastly improved from what it was two to three decades ago before the Navy privatized housing.
Balfour Beatty Communities has a contract with the Navy to provide housing in the area. About 40 people out of the 1,041 military families living in homes managed by Balfour attended the meeting.
Yearly surveys by Balfour show general overall satisfaction with the living conditions in Groton.
