Triple J holds groundbreaking for Saipan Comfort Homes

Public and private partners gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for Triple J’s Saipan Comfort Homes held in Dandan yesterday. The low-income housing project is set to open on February 2017. (Frauleine Villanueva-Dizon)

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for Triple J’s Saipan Comfort Homes project in Lower Dandan yesterday.

Public officials and agencies such as Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP), Saipan Mayor David Apatang, Northern Marianas Housing Corp., Northern Marianas College, as well as private partners like Swansboro Construction, Black Construction, and Bank of Hawaii attended the event to witness a milestone for another low-income housing project which will provide much needed housing options in Saipan.

According to Triple J chief executive officer and president Robert Jones, they are targeting to hold their topping off ceremony in October and open for occupancy in February of next year.

“We have until June [2017] realistically to finish the requirements but we aim for February,” Jones said.

Saipan Comfort Homes is part of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program.

Torres congratulated Triple J for another housing project. The company is also the driving force behind Sandy Beach Homes, which has a total of 30 three-bedroom units.

“I personally congratulate you for another job well done,” Torres said, “What you’re building is setting a different and higher standard.”

Under LIHTC, NMHC acting corporate director Zenie Mafnas noted that the project will be allocated $2.3 million for the first year which equates to $23 million in the next 10 years.

Mafnas also noted the current demand for housing in the Commonwealth.

“NMHC does recognize the demand for housing in the CNMI is great, most especially after the devastation that Typhoon Soudelor caused to many homes. With LITHC projects such as this, CNMI families are able to rebuild their lives and the new, value-added housing units will contribute to the economic and social well being of the entire CNMI,” Mafnas said.

Saipan Comfort Homes will have 40 two-bedroom residential units. According to Triple J, monthly rental for the units will be at $640.

The units will include an energy efficient refrigerator, stove, air conditioner, and ceiling fans. In addition, solar panels and typhoon protection shutters will be provided.

Saipan Comfort Homes’ location is just within walking distance from the Northern Marianas College where there is no housing community designed specifically to cater to low-income families yet. The site is also near churches, a high school, shopping center, and a medical clinic.

Interested parties may contact Triple J Real Estate Leasing manager Sophie Dela Cruz at 235-7263.