In an interview on Friday Therese T. Ogumoro, the acting zoning administrator, said the CNMI deserves to prosper by improving its physical image to the eyes of “our own citizens and the rest of the world.”
Ogumoro said the implementation of the Saipan Zoning Law of 2008 will proceed to ensure that the commonwealth will be an attractive, safer and organized environment for its residents and visitors.
Many business owners are against the zoning law and are supporting a petition seeking to suspend its implementation.
Ogumoro said it is not right to criticize the zoning board for its “dedicated efforts in implementing the law which will greatly benefit the general public.”
“The law is just 16 months old and Saipan has already witnessed measurable evidence along Beach Road and major areas where structures and developments are becoming well organized and the businesses are displaying clean facades and attractive landscaping and parking areas in order,” Ogumoro said.
She believes that the petition was initiated by individuals who are disappointed with the zoning board for several reasons.
Their zoning permits may have been denied due to the negative impact that their establishments will create, she added.
“You can’t expect to operate auto shops in a residential area or extensive industrial areas, and machinery works in areas unfit for such use — you cannot simply operate business without considering parking for customers and the safety of children. You cannot put a refrigerator in the bathroom or a bed in the kitchen,” Ogumoro said.
Another reason for the petition, she said, is that some individuals still refuse to accept that a law has been put in place.
There are also applicants, she said, who expect to have their permits right away without proper review and compliance with requirements regarding development, parking and landscaping plans.
There are also cases when landowners insist on waiving zoning requirements so their properties can be leased for uses that are not at all permitted, she added.
According to Ogumoro, every provision of the zoning law was reviewed and deliberated before it was passed by the Saipan and Northern Islands legislative delegation.
“We are not implementing our personal thoughts. We are simply implementing the law. We have incorporated amendments based on public support and comments from public hearings,” she said.
Ogumoro noted that hundreds of businesses have registered and successfully completed their applications, and only a few have not.
“We owe it to our own communities, businesses, visitors and most especially to our growing children. If we are to start projecting our islands as a decent, safe and economically attractive place for our people and visitors, then we must all help each other, be willing to accept changes and move forward,” Ogumoro said.
