This was the apprehension expressed by Ray Bermudes, a resident of Chalan Kanoa, regarding the proposed Western Sales and Trading warehouse in Susupe.
“It will change forever the general character and context of this critical yet quiet village and will inevitably affect all other villages on Saipan,” Bermudes said in a letter to the Saipan Zoning Office.
He said an “insurmountable traffic issue” will also result which would endanger the safety and lives of all persons living and traveling in the area.
Christopher A. Torres, who operates Western Sales and Trading, wants to construct a warehouse and wholesale operation at the intersection of Bakke St. and Tokcha Avenue.
Bermudes said the proposed application for the rezoning of Susupe “appears to have been pre-decided already by the Zoning administrator’s site evaluation.”
He noted that Zoning Administrator Douglas T. Wyatt has stated that Torres’ property is within proximity of Beach Road and the Marianas Business Plaza building.
But Bermudes said the Saipan Zoning Law of 2008 clearly indicates that a warehouse and general wholesaling are not allowed in that property.
Western Sales and Trading sells fertilizers, which will pose health risks, Bermudes added.
“Commercial development does not belong in this area or location. No matter how they try to finesse it, every man, woman and child either living in this area or just simply traveling through it will have their safety jeopardized,” he said.
He asked the Zoning Board to oppose Torres’ rezoning request.
