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Local delegation passes Zoning bills
The Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation passed two local bills—House Local Bills 20-5 and 20-10 that would rezone certain areas on the island from rural to commercial and tourist resort.
Delegation chair Rep. John Paul Sablan (R-Saipan) introduced both bills, which is now with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres for signing.
HLB 20-5 would amend the Saipan Official Zoning Map Sheets 3 and of 29 where 18 of the 20 SNILD members present voting yes while 20-10 would amend the SOZM 20 of 29 where one opting to not support the measure.
House minority leader Rep. Edmund Villagomez (Ind-Saipan) and Rep. Vinnie Sablan (Ind-Saipan) voted no to HLB 20-5, while the latter was the lone SNILD member that opposed HLB 20-10.
Several lots classified as rural and rural/village commercial would be rezoned to tourist resort once the new zoning district is enacted under HLB 20-5. Several lots from Susupe would be rezoned from “village residential” to “village commercial” on HLB 20-10.
SNILD believes it is appropriate to rezone the districts that the Commonwealth Zoning Board recommended to be rezoned. Zoning first held public meetings before submitting to the delegation about their findings and decision.
The delegation agreed on the evaluation made by Zoning’s staff and the evidence presented during the public hearing.
“The delegation agrees that rezoning these areas is in the best interests of the community,” wrote chair Sablan on the bill.
