“We are not necessarily against the proposed 80-unit residential structure that Blue Water Homes, LLC plans on building on the property directly adjoining ours,” they said.
In their letter to the CNMI Zoning Board, 15 landowners and heirs said they welcome development as long as their quality of life is not negatively affected.
The letter was signed by Vicente Cabrera Attao, Celina Attao Concepcion, Maria Ramona Attao Balajadia, Elizabeth Arthur Attao, Aldebert Concepcio Sr., Ricardo P. Balajadia Sr., Ina Attao, Kristine Attao, Catherine Attao, Ricardo P. Balajadia Jr., Aldebert Attao Concepcion Jr., Christopher Attao Concepcion, Kimberly Attao Concepcion and Michael Attao Concepcion.
Their concerns include the potential damage that may be caused to their homes and other structures when construction begins.
They said that groundwork has been known to crack walls and foundations of buildings from nearly a mile away depending on how severe the pile driving is.
They asked if Blue Water Homes hired an expert that will inspect their property before construction begins and after the construction is completed, and if the company will compensate any damage found in their property as a result of any activities related to the construction project.
They are concerned about the height of the building, saying anything above two floors it will obstruct their view of Mt. Tapochao and the surrounding hills, “thereby affecting our quality of life.”
“Is Blue Water Homes responsible in any way for ensuring our quality of life is not impaired by this proposed development?” they asked.
Noting that a spacious area for 112 parking stalls is part of the development in the area, the landowners and heirs said they are concerned about traffic congestion, air pollution and noise pollution that would arise.
Their other concerns:
• The responsibility of fixing and repairing Atuhong Place, the original and principal road leading to the project site.
• Public access to the beach.
• The assurance that such project will not be abandoned unfinished to rot should economic conditions change.
• The possible decrease of water pressure as the demand increase.
• The noise pollution that would emanate from the residential unit generator.
• The containment of potential fuel and oil spills.
• The effect on their pets including a U.S. government explosive detection K-9 that has specific federal living standards, which include certain noise level requirements and restriction on certain odors and scents.
• The possible disturbance and destruction of the habitat of numerous indigenous birds, including some that are federally protected.
“We encourage development so long as our neighborhood is improved and enhanced in tangible ways such as the repair and/or pavement of the only roadway leading to our homes including the widening of the street to the maximum width permitted by law,” they said
They said they want to be assured in writing that they will be compensated should there be any destruction done to their property as the result of any construction-related activities.
“We want a pledge that any illegal, bothersome or troubling activities undertaken by any potential future tenants of Blue Water Homes will be dealt with severely and lawfully,” they said.
In the recent public hearing, Blue Water Homes representative Michael Sablan said they will respond in writing to the concerns raised by the property owners.
