The expansion of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island will add 3,747 people to the population of Oak Harbor, Washington, a 20 percent increase by 2036, 70 percent of whom are military or civilian personnel associated with the base. Located in the far northwest corner of the continental United States, Oak Harbor Development Services Director Steve Powers said the city will need 1,629 additional housing units.

There are currently 109 housing units underway, and another 120 being considered by a variety of different developers (although no applications have been made), bringing the total to 229 units, far short of what is needed, according to whidbeynewstimes.

General Manager Trevor Belch of Clayton Homes said, “We are starting investigating what we can do to bring our product into this area.” Noting Clayton can do entire subdivisions, Belch said the company may acquire four or five lots and build spec houses, and is able to build a home in 12-13 weeks.

Rick Chapman of Coldwell Banker Tara Bayview said of the 110 homes currently on the market, 52 are under $400,000 which is the range most military families can afford, although it represents only a one month supply.

Additionally, MHProNews has learned there are zero rentals available. Chapman said rents have increased an average of 25 percent, and in some cases 40 percent.

Clayton Homes is the largest producer of manufactured and modular homes in North America. ##

(Photo credit: Clayton Homes)

(Article submitted by Matthew J. Silver to Daily Business News-MHProNews.