CRM: Trailers complied with all codes

Coastal Resources Management had approved the trailer homes being opposed by the Marianas Visitors Authority, saying it complied with all federal and local codes.

CRM acting director Janice Castro said the trailer park concept was developed by Tai Siu International Development, Inc. and entailed extensive review before being approved.

It is reportedly owned by a Saipan Ocean View manager.

“Basically, there is nothing in our regulations that says we cannot approve this type of development,” said Castro.

According to her, the decision to approve the trailer homes—called a modular home-themed resort—was not only made by CRM but had the unanimous vote of the CRM board that consists of seven different departments and divisions.

The divisions and departments that make up the CRM board is the Historical Preservations Office, Department of Pubic Works, Division of Environmental Quality, Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Department of Commerce, and CRM.

One of the conditions for the approval of the trailer homes is to keep the structures environmentally and cultural friendly.

Castro said the modular home-themed resort will surely impact the community and, while that impact is right now uncertain, it is undeniable that there will be a contribution to the economy from this new development and that is one of the goals.

She said the division’s main purpose is to ensure a balance between the development, the environment, and coastal resources.

“We are not here to inhibit it, but to make sure that we benefit from it without paying for it with our environment and coastal resources,” she said.

According to Castro, the division is just complying with both federal and local regulations and, as far as CRM is concerned, there is no regulation that states modular homes should not be developed in the Commonwealth.

“They are providing us with what is required by law and that makes them able to obtain their permits to move forward with their projects,” said Castro.

The proposal suggested that the trailers would accommodate budget travelers or tourists on a budget.

The area that was permitted to develop the modular home-themed resort is the land beside that of Triple J Motors on Beach Road, Garapan.