The public meeting/hearing will be held on Thursday, Aug. 28, 6 p.m. at the multi-purpose center in Susupe.
Here is a summary of the proposed regulations.
References in the regulations are changed to cite the new Saipan Zoning Law of 2007 that was enacted in Dec. 2007 instead of the Saipan Zoning Law of 1993. Also, definitions are deleted from the regulations that are covered in the Saipan Zoning Law of 2007.
Definitions of major and minor site plans are established to implement Section 1306(e) of the Saipan Zoning Law of 2007. These definitions determine the steps and timelines that the Zoning Office follow in reviewing different types of site plan permit applications.
The regulations on fees are changed to waive fees for government entities, to require a fee for verification of nonconformity, and to reduce fees for several types of permits.
Requirements for location and operation of wind energy systems are established. The requirements would apply to any wind energy systems that are regulated under the Saipan Zoning Law.
An adult business overlay zone is established on land within 200 feet of each side of the centerline of Chalan Pale Arnold, or Middle Road, from Chalan Msgr. Guerrero north to a line extending along the center of Commonwealth Avenue, south side of Sugar King Park. Once the overlay zone is established, adult businesses anywhere on Saipan outside the overlay zone would have one year to move into the zone but they could request an extension. New adult businesses would only be allowed in this zone. Within the zone, adult businesses would have to be separated from churches, parks, schools and day care centers by 500 feet. A proposed amendment would also require adult businesses to be separated from each other by 500 feet.
Supportive communities make a difference
(CCA) — Commonwealth Cancer Association sent a representative to attend the second LIVESTRONG
summit organized by the Lance Armstrong Foundation in Columbus, Ohio.
This year’s theme focused on how communities that unite and demonstrate support make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families.
Maggie C. Camacho, a breast cancer survivor for four years, said she’s honored she was able to represent the CNMI at the summit. Meeting survivors from across the nation and hearing their stories has inspired her to be more active at home.
“Nearly all of us have a loved one, friend, colleague or family member who has faced cancer. I feel that we need to engage our community more,” said Camacho.
She said the community can strengthen its role and make a difference to CNMI survivors by helping existing local efforts to expand cancer-awareness events and increase survivor and care-giver support activities.
According to Camacho, “We are fortunate that we can easily speak to our legislators and governor. It is up to all of us, not just cancer survivors, to make it a community concern.”
The LIVESTRONG Summit took place from July 24 to 27 on the campus of the Ohio State University in Columbus, assembling cancer advocates, health care experts and elected officials from around the nation.
Featured speakers include Lance Armstrong; Surgeon General Vice Admiral Dr. Richard Carmona; Dr. Harold Freeman, president and founder of the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in Harlem and senior advisor to the Director of the National Cancer Institute; Stefanie Spielman, three-time breast cancer survivor, founder of the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research; and All-Pro NFL linebacker Chris Spielman.
The Commonwealth Cancer Association is the local cancer support organization for the Northern Mariana Islands.
Established in 2003 under the umbrella of the CHC Volunteer Association, the CCA engages in cancer awareness and education, provides patient support and services and serves as the liaison for cancer matters in the commonwealth and the region.
For inquiries, please contact Joanne Ogo, CCA program coordinator. She can be reached at [email protected]. You may also call 682-0050 or fax 664-4020.
Live fire training on FDM
(EMO) — The U.S. military Unit will conduct live fire training on Farallon De Mendenilla on Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and unexploded ordnance clearance on Aug. 12-31, from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., and on Sept. 1-12, from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Due to the danger imposed by this activity, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial is advising the general public, especially fishermen, commercial pilots and marine tour operators, to stay away from this area during the time and dates indicated.
Should you have any questions, call the Emergency Management Office at 322-9528 or 322-9529, VHF marine channel 16 or HF single side band radio on 5.205.0.
2007 tax rebates released
(Office of the Governor) — After directing the release of some $3 million in 2007 tax refunds last month, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has approved the release of some $3 million in 2007 tax rebates today.
The distribution represents the first batch of tax rebate payments mailed on Friday.
The first batch of 2007 tax rebates will be distributed to 14,000 taxpayers. Taxpayers can pick up their checks in the mail this Saturday, according to Secretary of Finance Eloy S. Inos.
Inos said the government will begin distributing 2007 tax rebate checks regularly, initially beginning every two weeks and then on a weekly basis every Friday.
Following the complete disbursement of 2007 tax rebates, the government will go back and ensure the full payment of all 2006 and 2005 rebates.
As with the tax refunds, federal stimulus checks, and child tax credits previously released by the administration, Fitial also expects the tax refund and rebate releases to have a positive effect on local consumers and struggling small businesses.
“I am very happy we are able to return money back to our taxpayers on a timely basis,” said Fitial. “This is a high priority.”
