Through zoning, “our efforts to support economic development for the island is the important issue here,” said Wyatt, who started working on Monday.
He said there are “controversies and challenges” but these are part of the process in urban planning.
Wyatt is excited to work for the Zoning Board as well as to provide inputs to lawmakers.
He underscored the importance of having a functional land use plan which he said is necessary for development.
He lauded the Legislature for enacting a zoning law that provided “good ideas.”
Wyatt said he will be reviewing the current law.
He admitted that based on his 15-year experience as a planner, there is a percentage of the population that sees “zoning as getting in the way or something that stops development.”
“We are ready for challenges,” Wyatt said.
He described the island as “beautiful!”
“It catches the eye. From a standpoint of a planner, there is a concentrated settlement that provides challenges for good planning issues,” he added.
Chairwoman Herminia Fusco said the Zoning Board will continue its community outreach to solicit issues and concerns for zoning as well as its junk car removal program.
The board continues to monitor abandoned and dilapidated buildings and the adult business overlay.
With Wyatt “as our new zoning administrator, we are optimistic,” Fusco said.
She noted Wyatt’s vast experience and master’s degree in regional and urban planning.
Wyatt also has a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planning.
In 1993, the Saipan Zoning Law was enacted but was suspended in the following year.
The law was re-enacted in 2008.
