The High Cost of Homeland Defense

The point may soon be moot. Shortly after Johnson moved into his stately new address, the Coast Guard announced plans to phase out the Richmond Heights housing facility, which includes the flag quarters and 99 other residential units, despite a six-million-dollar overhaul less than a decade ago. Keeping it open just doesn't make sense, explains Captain Lapinski, when more and more personnel are choosing to live elsewhere. Occupancy is about 50 percent. "The perception among Coast Guard people is that schools are better in other areas. They also want to live in places where the traffic isn't so bad," Lapinski says. "And with the expenses for upgrades and refitting a facility like this, we feel we can realize a substantial cost savings by closing it down altogether."

According to Lapinski, the facility should be empty by late 2005; other officials estimate 2007. By the Coast Guard's calculations, the government will save about $500,000 per year if the remaining residents of the Richmond Heights housing complex follow Commander Johnson's lead and find more convenient and comfortable quarters in Miami's private housing market.