WITH the $11.7 million Garapan Revitalization Project slated to break ground in the coming weeks, two lawmakers have expressed their support for revamping Saipan’s tourist district.
“I don’t think anybody would object to what we need to improve within the Commonwealth, across all the islands. Obviously, Garapan core is where the tourists go. In those areas, we do have alleys [and] streets that really need development,” said Democratic Sen. Edith Deleon Guerrero of Saipan.
“I think it’s about time that we truly invested in these areas, and not just in Garapan itself, but across the islands, on all three islands, so that we can improve the economy. Our people can participate in being a part of that economy within the [tourist] district, so yes, I am in full support of the development of Garapan,” she added.
She noted that Garapan is a flood-zone area, which she hopes will be addressed by the revitalization project.
“Hopefully all of those are worked into the plan to make sure that floodwater will not come down to Garapan, and we [don’t end up having to paddle] canoes as we used to do many years ago,” she said.
Democratic Rep. Denita K. Yangetmai, who represents Precinct 3 which includes Garapan, also expressed her support for the revitalization project.
“That’s a good project. It’s great for the economy, for the tourists, and the people,” she said.
She said the project will also create new jobs, which, she added, are really needed.
The area will soon become a great place to exercise and walk around, she also said.
The project, funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce-Economic Development Association, includes repairing and repaving streets, maximizing on-street parking; creating new concrete sidewalks with curbs, trees, landscaping, street lights, bike lanes, and shared streets; maintaining existing storm water drainages; and creating a hybrid Paseo De Marianas that allows street and event space.
The areas that will be affected include Beach Road north of Garapan Street, Royal Palm Avenue, Ginger Avenue, Plumeria Avenue, Coconut Street, Date Street, Palm Street, and South Micro Beach Road.
