Lawton....lots of questions (Duncan, Marlow: military, travel, work)

[peggydavis]

BRAC = Base Realignment And Closure

Sorry, we in OK heard so much about this process when we were afraid of losing any of the military bases. They add a lot to the economy anywhere they are.

Some bases were closed or lost personnel. One was Ft. Bliss, TX. An artillery unit will be transferred from TX to Lawton. This will involve about 5,000 military jobs, which leads to the 10,000 estimate of population increase.

So, for Lawton, that will be a big boost for business including home construction.

[shelbylane]

The police department here in lawton has been in contact with specialized gang task forces from all over the united states to help get information on how to get rid of the gangs.It's a very bad situation.Locals here call Lawton, Little Chicago.They are having a hard time getting it under control.There are at least 100 different type gangs the police have identified from reading grafitti on the buildings.Also the police department is looking to hire more people to combat the problem.The military is really the main job source for Lawton or there's Goodyear.Lawton is made up of military families for the most part.They are from all over the united states.Most Lawtonians like me finish college and move away.It's very diverse culturally.

[zarabeth]

Thank you all for the information so far....so it's due to grow from the BRAC standpoint, but the gangs are heating up the town...I'll have to research some more. Makes me wonder how in the world the hospital got $30 million for a renovation...wonder what brought that money in?

[Jammie]

Originally Posted by peggydavis

BRAC = Base Realignment And Closure

Sorry, we in OK heard so much about this process when we were afraid of losing any of the military bases. They add a lot to the economy anywhere they are.

Some bases were closed or lost personnel. One was Ft. Bliss, TX. An artillery unit will be transferred from TX to Lawton. This will involve about 5,000 military jobs, which leads to the 10,000 estimate of population increase.

So, for Lawton, that will be a big boost for business including home construction.

I'm going a bit off topic here, but what you said about the BRAC~wasn't it an unnerving time? Ellsworth, in my state was also on the possible "close" list. Thankfully it was saved and next month they will be adding 750 civilian and non-civilian jobs. That'll be a definite boost to the economy of Rapid City.

[shelbylane]

Zarabeth,

I think the hospital got a 13 million dollar renovation.If it's Southwestern we're talking about.You can check out this link to their website.I hope it works. Southwestern Medical Center - Local News

[zarabeth]

No, Comanche County Memorial is the one we are maybe flying to look at.....it's a different hospital, right?

[flintysooner]

Web site: Comanche County Memorial Hospital

And they have a deal with Integris in Oklahoma City beginning in August for Rehab hospital, too. On the Integris site.

[flintysooner]

You might want to read this discussion from another forum:What's Right About Lawton

[shelbylane]

Yes, Comanche County Memorial is a different hospital.If they are getting a renovation too i think that's great ! Anything to help the town out.It definitely needs the hospitals.I do wonder where they were able to bring in the millions for the renovations ?

All that i ever hear is how low on funds Lawton is for road repairs and upkeep of the town.Why can't they get money for that too ? It needs a beautification project or something.

[peggydavis]

Originally Posted by Jammie

I'm going a bit off topic here, but what you said about the BRAC~wasn't it an unnerving time? Ellsworth, in my state was also on the possible "close" list. Thankfully it was saved and next month they will be adding 750 civilian and non-civilian jobs. That'll be a definite boost to the economy of Rapid City.

Oh yes, Jammie, quite unnerving. Cities were jumping through all kinds of hoops to keep the bases open. We were so relieved when the list came out to see OK had dodged the bullet for the most part. Congrats on keeping Ellsworth open!

I'm sure for Lawton the additional jobs will be a huge boost to their economy, and I have heard that rental housing is already getting scarce. The new people are supposed to start arriving next year.