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Board moves ahead on adult biz zone
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Posted on Jun 29 2008
The CNMI Zoning Board gave its preliminary approval to a series of proposed changes to the Commonwealth’s zoning rules last week, including a plan to transform a major section of Middle Road into a special zone for adult businesses.
The zoning board in a meeting Thursday agreed to propose the new rules formally and take comments on them from the public. Zoning administrator Steve Tilley said the proposal will be published next month and could be adopted as early as August.
Among the many changes in the proposal is a plan to establish a zone along Middle Road for businesses such as strip clubs, massage parlors and adult bookstores. The zone would extend from Monsieur John Guerrero Road to the Sugar King Park area. Adult businesses would have one year to relocate to the zone. Tilley said the plan will improve the atmosphere of Saipan’s tourism centers, such as Garapan, where many adult businesses now are.
Tilley added that at least one entrepreneur has come forward with tentative plans to propose an adult business park.
“It’s something that would be a great business opportunity for someone looking to move on that,” said Tilley
Zoning board chair Henry Hofschneider said the proposal contains provisions that will prevent the adult business zone from “going over into residential areas.”
