He said of the 3,500 applicants 75 percent are qualified and are on the wait-list.
“We don’t issue any applications any more as a result of the moratorium [on homesteads],” said Babauta who was yesterday’s Rotary guest at the Hyatt.
He said it is still possible that the moratorium may be lifted.
“I am working with developers like Sandy Beach Homes and Blue Water Homes in Chalan Kanoa,” Babauta said.
He said two subdivisions on Tinian and Rota require over $5 million each to build access roads and basic infrastructure, as well as install water and power lines.
Babauta said they will be opening 247 homestead lots at the West San Jose subdivision on Tinian, and 126 lots at the Savana Plateau on Rota.
He said the contractor has just finished with the overall design, survey and environmental assessment on Rota.
The homestead lots can be given to qualified individuals as soon as they are ready but it takes money to make it happen, he added.
Babauta said DPL has also retrieved some 155 vacant lots in Kagman after applicants moved out or left Saipan and sought greener pastures on the mainland.
“We will award these vacant lots to the next batch that qualifies,” Babauta said.
Latest projects
DPL has “several projects,” which include a $3 billion hotel casino on Tinian, he said.
DPL is also negotiating with a conglomerate from China to develop a resort here, he added.
Babauta said he cannot divulge the name of the company yet, but it is one of the top 10 real estate companies in China.
He said that they will continue to look for potential investors.
“We will see about how we can fast-track these investment opportunities that are looming toward our shores. I will continue to impress upon our executive office the need for a change in policies to reflect the current economic times of the commonwealth,” he added.