Operators back relocation of adult shops from Paseo

A survey conducted by students from the Northern Marianas College showed that majority of establishment owners and operators within the Paseo de Marianas favor the relocation of adult shops and massage parlors from the Garapan tourist area.

Also, the results highlighted the presence of many unsanitary and unregulated sections of the Paseo that pose as eyesores to the public.

These were the results of a study conducted by the Current Issues Class under NMC teacher Sam McPhetres, at the request of the Saipan Zoning Board.

The class presented the results of their project last Saturday, which included a complete survey of the Garapan tourist district.

Other concerns and observations cited by the group is the presence of structures and buildings that are badly maintained and unlit areas that can harbor criminal activity such as theft, assault, and rape.

“Individuals feel unsafe within the district,” said the report.

Moreover, students observed that water fountains along the multi-million dollar project are not working and some are even being used as ashtrays. They provided photographs to prove the claim.

The students also said that overhead wires and pipes are exposed around the area.

Paseo de Marianas has also limited parking spaces, the group said. They applauded the presence of parking meters to make parking more efficient, but lamented the fact that none of them are working yet.

The students also reported that during their survey, they observed that there were no police officers on duty at the Koban post.

On the upside, the survey reported that Paseo de Marianas has excellent selections of restaurants “to fit diverse ethnicity.”

It also said that department stores are at the best location where people could just stroll in and hop from one store to another. The survey also showed that the Thursday Street Market is one positive aspect of the area where people can gather and feast on local and international cuisine at reasonable prices.

The students outlined some suggestions for the improvement of the area. They said vacant lots around Paseo de Marianas should be bidded out to prospective investors that could develop the spaces into playgrounds and game and arcade centers.

“This will help promote the Garapan district as a ‘family oriented’ and safe environment,” said the report.

Flea markets should also be established within the area, similar to the Street Market, but with cheaper and wider variety of merchandise—and not just food, added the report. The students also suggested that the government establish a street market on weekends.