By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

VILLAGE meetings that will give Saipan residents the chance to raise concerns regarding the government’s land use and zoning plans start today
Commonwealth Zoning Board Director Steve Tilley, in a telephone interview, said they want to hear from Saipan residents themselves regarding future developments in their neighborhoods.
The zoning board, he said, wants to know if people want commercial establishments or factories close to their houses.
Tilley said they believe that most residents want roads safe to drive and walk on, and some nearby recreational facilities, but the zoning board wants to hear this directly from residents.
The first of the seven meetings will be held at 6 p.m., tomorrow, at the multi-purpose center in Susupe for Koblerville and San Antonio residents.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial is urging residents to attend these meetings and “have their say” regarding Saipan’s land use plan.
“Proper planning is essential to making a better environment in our islands for residents, tourists, and new investment,” Fitial said in a statement.
“The proposed village meetings will allow our people to play an active part in that planning for their respective neighborhoods,” he added.
The zoning board, he said, is soliciting comments from residents on what they like about their villages and what they would like to see changed in the future.
The governor said concerns and information from residents will be used to update the 1993 land use plan “that was completed but never adopted.”
The update of the land use plan and zoning law, he added, will reflect changes in land use, economic conditions, and public attitudes. It will also facilitate coordination with one-stop permitting that is now in place.
The land use plan is expected to coordinate plans for schools, utilities, transportation, ports, and other services.
It will support tourism by identifying tourist belts and relocating incompatible establishments and facilities, free up prime land best for tourism-related infrastructure, and develop new roads and tourist attractions around Saipan.
“Our goal is to develop and implement a plan that will enhance the attractiveness of our island and do away with many of the eye sores detracting from its beauty,” the governor said. “At the same time, this plan will offer investors greater security with respect to their land investments in the commonwealth by defining allowable development in each village.”
Tilley said the zoning board had a meeting with lawmakers regarding Saipan Local Bill 15-58, the new zoning plan.
Among the major issues raised during the meeting was the economic impact of the new land use plan.
There will be zones, for example, restricted to commercial and industrial establishments.
“We don’t know yet where are those zones will be established,” Tilley said.
The local bill provides a deadline for commercial firms outside the zone.
They will be given an initial period of one year to move their businesses to established zones. They can also request an extension.
Tilley said there will be 11 meetings this month regarding the new land use plan.
More meetings will be held tomorrow for the villagers of As Lito, Fina Aisu and Kannat Tabla; on Mach 13 for Chalan Kanoa and Susupe residents; March 14 for Oleai, Chalan Kiya, and South Garapan; March 15 for Gualo Rai, Puerto Rico and Lower Base; March 20 for San Vicente, Dandan, the airport area, Obyan and Naftan; March 21 for Garapan and Navy Hill.
The next series of meeting will be held at Tanapag Elementary School and will start on March 22 for Tanapag residents; March 27 at Kagman Elementary School for residents of Laolao, Papago, Capital Hill, Wireless, As Teo and Talofofo; and on March 29 at GTC Elementary School for residents of San Roque, As Matuis, and Marpi.