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Zoning approves B&B business in Dandan
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Posted on Aug 27 2019
The CNMI Zoning board has approved American Huasheng Trade Corp.’s proposal to operate a bed-and-breakfast business on Saipan.
The proposed B&B will occupy an existing two-story building with six bedrooms along Tasi Drive in Dandan. It is the company’s first investment in the CNMI.
Zoning board member Ignacio Demapan expressed appreciation for the corporation’s decision to invest on Saipan, adding that the island needs investments as much as possible.
Wing Piu Billy Lam, who represents American Huasheng, disclosed last June that the company is investing $35,000 for the building’s conversion into a B&B.
Lam believes one way to make it easier for investors to come in is to make Zoning board meetings more frequent and make them more predictable.
“I am glad that the Zoning board finally approved the project. Zoning law is pretty strict, and the [schedule of] public hearing is a little bit difficult to get, so many investors get scared. [The meetings are] not every month. This is something we can improve to make the investors feel better,” Lam said.
The Zoning board has approved the project with the condition that the corporation should comply with all CNMI tax laws, including the CNMI hotel occupancy tax, as well as comply with the requirements of all regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the project.
The operation of the B&B should also not generate noise, odor, light, and dust that would affect the neighborhood. The place and its immediate surrounding areas should be kept clean and free from trash, waste, and debris.
There should also be no parking of vehicles at the public street at any time; and the B&B should have a parking area, clearly marked, with sufficient light posts, and in conformity to parking requirements in the Saipan Zoning Law.
If the B&B proves to be successful, the corporation intends to build a hotel on the island. “I hope this group will invest in the future to build a better Saipan,” Lam said.
