Yea, it's definitly not an easy place to live. The tower is a level 7, which would be acceptable at just about anywhere else in the country...
I can't even afford to take the ferry over there, nevermind live there. But, the point is...why go to the PEPC? I would probably fight that battle behind the scenes and opt out of the PEPC unless I knew something could be done.
Thats gotta be a tough spot to be in, especially if you really want the job.
That was exactly the point of the FAA personnel in charge at the PEPC. I don't know why it could not have been changed before going to the PEPC, but it wasn't me in that situation so I don't know what was/wasn't done beforehand.
The FAA personnel suggested that he accept the position because someone else would take it if he turned it down. It also might be possible to change his facility once he got cleared, but if he declined it, his PEPC visit was over and he would have to apply under another PUBNAT. Oh well, not a great way to start off a potential career with the FAA...