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New Zoning administrator to arrive this week
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Posted on May 11 2009
The newly selected administrator for the Saipan Zoning Office, Victor Barrett, is scheduled to arrive this week from the U.S. mainland to take over the reins of the vacant position.
Barrett, who is from Arizona, was selected from a list of 20 applicants during a meeting on May 7 by members of the Zoning Board.
Board chair Henry S. Hofschneider said he talked to Barrett yesterday morning via telephone and the latter wanted to come to Saipan and met with board members.
Hofschneider explained that since zoning involves other government agencies such as the Historic Preservation Office, Coastal Resource Management, and Division of Environmental Quality, Barrett wants to also meet the officials of these agencies.
“This office needs a strong coordination with the HPO, CRM and other agencies,” Hofschneider said.
The position was left vacant after former Zoning administrator Steve Tilley resigned due to family matters.
Of the 20 applications they received, Hofschneider said all except for one were from the U.S. mainland.
He said Barrett has over 30 years of experience in planning, architecture and design.
“His strengths include new urban master planning, creative planning solutions, project permitting and approval, client and vendor relations, authentic architectural design, public relation, etc.,” Hofschneider said.
Barrett has a background in sustainable design, and has extensive experience in development of sensitive coastal, flood plain and remote sites.
He said Barrett has helped towns and cities draft proposed zoning and land use control ordinances, regulations and laws.
He has worked in Belize, Mexico. His projects there included architectural designs, planning, and working with local authorities on land use development.
