The “official” explanation was that Barrett had “unanticipated personal issues,” but a government source said the former administrator might have had an “island-experience” in the course of his work as the island’s master planner.
Barrett assumed office in June 2009.
He went on leave for the holidays last December, and submitted his letter of resignation early this month.
The Zoning Board went on executive — that is, closed-door — session when it discussed Barrett’s Jan. 6, 2010 letter.
In a statement, Zoning Board Chairwoman Herminia Fusco commended Barrett’s accomplishments.
“He was successful in reducing the backlog of pending permit applications and in streamlining the application process. He led the preparation of the Beach Road Corridor Improvement Project proposal, which the board later learned was not funded under the energy grant. Mr. Barrett has also made notable contributions to the character of the island through implementation and administration of the zoning law,” Fusco said.
Zoning planner Theresa Ogumoro is now the acting administrator.
Fusco said some of the immediate important zoning issues that the Zoning Office will be addressing include the updating and revision of the 2008 Saipan Zoning Law, the adult business park, the problems with dilapidated buildings, and the removal of junk cars.
“It has been almost two years since the implementation of the Saipan Zoning Law and substantial improvements have been made in some parts of the island, but much still has to be done,” Fusco said.
“With tourism being the CNMI’s main industry, it is critical that proper planning and zoning is in place to ensure that we achieve the goal of being a world-class tourist destination. The board and zoning office staff are working hard to achieve that goal with the cooperation and collaboration of other government agencies,” she added.
Jay Solly, principal consultant of Marianas Consulting, which was hired for the federal grant application for the Beach Road improvement plan, said Barrett “accomplished much in his time in the CNMI.”
Solly said the community “was fortunate to have someone of his caliber guiding the Zoning Office. His expertise in urban planning, green development, and commitment to improving land values through proper planning will be sorely missed.”
He added, “I commend the Zoning Board and Chairwoman [Herminia] Fusco for their continued efforts to explore ways to make a better Beach Road a reality.”
