Sandy Beach Homes LLC representative Mike S. Sablan described it as the first private housing project in the CNMI since the early 1980s.
He said for the past decades, the focus had been on tourism.
“Now it’s time to take care of the needs of the residents,” Sablan said.
He said residents usually have to go through a six-year waiting period to get a low-cost housing unit.
The project is owned by Sandy Beach Homes LLC, a business entity established in June this year. The project will be completed in collaboration with Triple J Saipan Inc., Ironwood Housing Partners Saipan LLC, and other partners.
Sablan thanked all the stakeholders who are part of the Sandy Beach Homes LLC project, the residents in the area for cooperating and bearing with the ongoing construction work, and the government agencies that made it possible for the project to push through.
Bob Jones of Sandy Beach Homes said all the 60 units measuring 1,400 sq. ft. each in the six-floor buildings will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms each with above ground level parking.
He said based on a survey they conducted, there is an abundance of two-bedroom housing units in the CNMI, but a shortage of three-bedroom units.
Jones said their goal is to develop affordable housing units in proximity to basic amenities such as schools, shops, restaurants, beaches and churches.
The $28.2 million project will use an energy-efficient design and materials, including a solar water heater.
Northern Marianas Housing Corp. corporate director Joshua T. Sasamoto said the project will can help low-income families in the CNMI.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, in his remarks yesterday, said the project is “unprecedented…because it signals the CNMI’s first entry into the low income housing tax credit program.”
Fitial said the parameters of the program have been carefully crafted by the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. to meet the CNMI’s unique and particular needs.
With a target to hand over the keys to 60 low-income tenants by December 2011, Fitial said a project of this magnitude has never been accomplished in such a short time frame.
The governor said the project exemplifies the fulfillment of the intent of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to significantly spur economic development in a time of recession, and create permanent employment opportunities.
Fitial said the groundbreaking was held amid the season of giving, sharing and hope.
“It’s about addressing the housing needs of low income families and ensuring that they have an affordable access to a decent place to call home. It’s about giving hope back to those who have stopped believing that hope still exists,” Fitial said.
He assured all investors that his administration will make it easier for them to do business in the CNMI.
“This is our solid commitment to the economic revival of our islands,” Fitial said.
The project is being undertaken by Black Construction Corporation.
Yesterday’s groundbreaking was attended by local officials, as well representatives from the business sector and the community.
