DPW: IPI conditional permit out soon

Public Works Secretary James Ada said their Building Safety Code Division had been meeting almost every day with representatives of Imperial Pacific International (CNM) LLC to make sure that construction of the Imperial Pacific Resort complies with federal laws.

Ada clarified that they have yet to issue a certificate of building occupancy to the casino resort since division personnel are still inspecting the building so no problem would come up once the casino starts operations.

“Some people are misinformed that we already gave out a certificate of building occupancy. Not yet. We don’t and it is still in the inspection stage. Our building inspectors are going there,” said Ada.

“There are IPI representatives to see what are our concerns and they have to follow it. In fact, I was also there on Friday and had a tour to inspect it. For the record, there’s no building occupancy certificate issued or building permit. Not even one.”

He added that there are still a lot of construction activities at the site that need to be completed but IPI has already addressed and is finished with most of the concerns raised by DPW.

IPI plans to have a soft opening for its casino but there are concerns over the safety of its clients and other VIP players since construction of the hotel structure would continue. The opening has already been twice delayed, on Chinese New Year on Jan. 28, and in March.

Construction activities outside the casino-hotel appear to have been halted, but the remaining workers are said to be focusing on the finishing touches inside.

Ada said they are looking at first issuing a conditional permit. “That’s what we’re starting right now, [issuing] a conditional permit. We have yet to issue any permit and everyday our personnel meet with [IPI] representatives.”

He said that some of the areas and other facilities are ready and are in compliance with the regulations set by BSCD.

“I toured with them [IPI representatives], [Commonwealth Casino Commission] members, and personnel from [the Department of Fire and Emergency Services]. There are still some concerns [from DPW], and even [CCC and DFEMS], that IPI needs to address.”

He added that they should know if they could issue a conditional or partial occupancy permit anytime this week or next week.