At the same time, he says it would be a waste for the community and send investors the wrong message to throw out the whole zoning code yet again.
“A good zoning code is about improving the quality of life for all citizens, both business people and residents. The island has gained valuable experience over the short 16 months that zoning has been in place. Significant time, effort, and money have been invested in the process. We should not say it’s too hard and just give up.”
Barrett added, “There are no unintended effects, as the bill contends, but we have experienced the inevitable growing pains that developing a zoning code for an island community that has been without any formal land planning for over 3,000 years would naturally bring. We should not squander this hard won insight and the opportunity to build a better code.”
“Suspending the law at this point would be unfair to the hundreds of businesses that have followed the code and to the businesses planning new projects under the current law. I fear that any suspension of the law will halt what little planned development we do have dead in its tracks, and allow opportunist and indiscriminate uses to take root once again. This will further devalue our built environment. The last thing any serious real estate investor wants is the uncertainty created by not having effective zoning.”
According to Barrett, it’s not a matter of if we can solve any problems that may have arisen, but how and how fast.
He says he now has a much better process in place and more experienced staff, allowing for the vast majority of new and existing businesses to be cleared by the Zoning Office on the same day. He is tackling the thorny issues of the Adult Entertainment District and signage head on and will be making announcements shortly.
Barrett added, “We will be holding weekly public meetings for the island’s villages, starting with Kagman on August 19th, and want to hear all the issues and concerns. I also want to hear ideas for improvement from residents and businesses, as well as their vision and specific community goals. With this knowledge I can work on the required revisions and additions to the code that will create a flexible and adaptable smart code, and “island style” zoning code.”
Barrett believes that with a zoning code that reflects the values and vision of the community, the island can offer investors and developers an environment that will attract quality projects from around the world.
“Zoning provides predictability and the assurance of neighboring compatible uses that major projects require. Developers want to be sure that their investment will be profitable and increase in value. Allowing a junk yard, heavy manufacturing, or mining to locate anywhere will stifle quality investment. The now abandoned, cheaply built, and poorly designed buildings of the garment industry that are scattered all over the island have reduced surrounding property values by millions of dollars. They are an eyesore and a structural and environmental mess that will be a major impediment to redevelopment for many years to come. We can’t afford to allow that to happen again.” said Barrett.
“There are great opportunities ahead for the CNMI, and the Zoning Office can play an important role in maximizing long term benefits. The islands will receive over $30 million from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to invest in energy projects, for which the development of zoning guidelines that promote sustainable development is an important requirement. Also, if we get it right, as money is spent and world attention focuses on the military projects in Guam, CNMI will be in an enviable position to benefit from high-quality investment.”
Barrett added, “I am anxious to bring my case against zoning suspension to the Delegation. As we work through this period of adjustment, our office will work with the clients to find a solution to problem with the code that may arise. I am looking to the businesses of our island to help us create a more workable and adaptable code… one that is flexible enough to change as economic, environmental, and climate circumstances warrant. We are an island blessed with rare natural beauty and abundance. The Island Zoning Code that will emerge from our efforts must strengthen the cultural heritage, protect our pristine environment, and help implement the island’s vision for a better future for residents and businesses alike.”
