Blue Water Homes eyes 3 three alternate sites

A representative of Blue Water Homes LLC disclosed that they are looking at the option of relocating the project site to any of three alternative sites for the affordable housing project that is currently being eyed in Chalan Piao.

Michael S. Sablan, however, declined to identify these sites in a phone interview.

Blue Water Homes is the second affordable housing project that applied for and was approved under the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The $30-million project involves the construction of 80 two-, three-, and four-bedroom units in a 98-foot building south of Chalan Kanoa Beach Club.

When asked if the alternative sites were a result of the opposition by a group of landowners and heirs, Sablan replied: “No.”

Some 16 landowners and heirs around the project area belonging to the Tamat-Cabrera clan is opposed to the housing project. The group said they support “controlled development” in that area, currently zoned as “tourist resorts” and allows the construction of high-rise buildings.

Sablan disclosed that they were already looking at alternative sites when they were approached by a representative of one of the three families with whom they already secured a land lease for the construction of Blue Water Homes.

“They were the ones who introduced us to the Chalan Piao site. We have the support of those families who have agreed to lease their land to us,” Sablan told Saipan Tribune.

According to Sablan, they are now finalizing the lease negotiation with the last landowner to complete all four lots needed for the housing project.

“We’ve already provided all requirements to all permitting agencies we’re working with except for that final lease negotiation,” he added.

Sablan assured that the Blue Water Homes project will not spoil the beauty of Tamat Beach. He cited the case of the beach behind Aquarius Beach Towers, which he said has been maintained by the hotel management and is frequented more by residents and tourists since the hotel was built.

“Even if we are not required, we will maintain that beach,” said Sablan, adding that they will make sure to follow all laws and regulations pertinent to their affordable housing project wherever the location might be.