Pedestrian mall to rise in Garapan

The Commonwealth government disclosed plans yesterday to build a pedestrian mall in the commercial district of Garapan in hopes to revitalize the Northern Marianas tourism industry.

A statement released by the Office of the Governor said the initial phase of the long-standing multi-million dollar Garapan Revitalization Project has already began with the construction of the landscaped medians along the busiest tourist zone.

The construction of landscaped medians from the American Memorial Park to the DFS Galleria on Beach Road is aimed at improving not only the appearance of the Garapan area but also to redirect traffic in the Ginza district where the 3rd street will be eventually closed down to give way to the proposed walk-in mall.

The overdue Revitalization Project will transform the downtown Garapan into an attractive and safe focal point for tourist and resident activities including strolling, outdoor dining, outdoor musical entertainment and festivities.

The construction of the medians is expected to be completed by February with the collaborative effort of various public and private agencies including the $500.000 donation of the Tournament of Champions, an annual golf fund-raiser.

At present, the Governor’s Office is closely working with the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Department of Public Works on the landscaping and the design of the project with contractor Hawaiian Rock.

The Garapan Revitalization Project is part of the recommendation made by the Strategic Economic Development Council in efforts to boost the financial status of the CNMI by developing various focal point for visitors and residents in the Commonwealth.

The next phase of the Revitalization Project will include the installation of a stand-alone koban to deter crimes and enhance public safety, and the extension of the Saipan Beach Pathway to the Hafadai Beach Hotel.

The beautification plan also includes the special zoning, sidewalk extension among others which will cost the government close to $2.8 million. The beautification project, which is phase one of the Garapan Revitalization Project, is expected to be completed in June 2002.

The Garapan Revitalization Project’s design and construction cost is estimated to reach over $21 million. Initial funding of $2 million has been set aside for the program under the Capital Improvement Project Plan.

At the same time, the American Memorial Park Improvement Project has already received funding support through legislation which authorizes Commonwealth Development Authority to borrow up to $2 million for improvements to the park.

The project is based on the economic recommendations presented by SEDC Chair Scott Bowman, the development of these focal points will generate at least $200 million revenues for the government within the four-year period of the revitalization of the tourism industry.

Bowman, who emphasized the advantages of a tourism-based economy for the Commonwealth said that tourism continues to be a big source of revenues for the CNMI adding that this offers to be the most immediate opportunity to drive revenues up without putting so much strain on social services and public facilities.

With the area consistently enjoying 100 percent penetration of all visitors coming to the CNMI, Bowman said the Garapan district has the potential to be developed into a first-class resort destination given the financial resources and the government’s commitment.