“I think most lawmakers realize that they don’t have the expertise to be doing this so they should depend on the Zoning Office,” she said.
On Friday, Fusco attended the board meeting during which members approved some parts of the rezoning proposals of House Local Bill 17-26 as introduced by Rep. Stanley T. Torres, Ind.-Saipan.
Fusco said the public should need to understand what rezoning proposals come from the Legislature and what are being proposed by the Zoning Office.
“It looks there’s a second office of zoning in the CNMI,” she said. “Even though the Legislature has the final say when passing something into law I think it has to be understood that it’s confusing the public too.”
She noted that there was an earlier bill, H.L.B. 17-2, which offered rezoning proposals.
“It’s becoming a habit and is mushrooming into more and more [rezoning]. I don’t know what would be proposed the next time,” she told the board.
“What business the Legislature has in terms of doing this when they don’t have the expertise? This is a very technical area — zoning is not a simple matter that anybody can do,” she said.
In contrast, she added, proposals coming from the Zoning Office are based on the requirements.
“Have they taken into consideration all the necessary assessments and procedures? More than likely not,” she said, referring to lawmakers.
Blanco said the board is reviewing the rezoning proposals with due diligence.
He said H.L.B. 17-26, which Fusco opposes, is not at all bad.
“I think we should be fair when you criticize 17-26,” he told Fusco. “I want to assure that the Zoning Board is here to protect the public.”
Blanco said he appreciated the suggestions of Fusco and informed her that Torres had been talking with the zoning administrator regarding zoning rules.
“There’s a communication going on and I think that’s a positive sign,” Blanco told Fusco.
Fusco said the board should be recommending to the Legislature what should be done.
“The Zoning Office is established to address this issue. The agency has the appropriate staff and should not be undermined to do these things because that’s what the office exists for,” she added.
Board member Herman Sablan said they cannot control the people if they seek rezoning through their legislators or to the Zoning Office.
“What we do is work with the staff recommendations,” he said.
Fusco said if the issue is not resolved there might as well be no Zoning Office.
Blanco said Fusco should discuss her concerns with the legislature.
