Demapan, Covenant-Saipan, urged Coastal Resource Management Office Director Rita C. Chong last week to hear some concerns from the public before making a decision on the construction of 60 apartment units facing a beach front in Chalan Kanoa 4.
CRMO approved the major siting permit application of Triple J on Thursday.
In an interview on Friday, Demapan said he was pleased with the business project as he “strongly supports” new investments for the islands.
He said he acknowledges the economic benefits that the construction of new apartments will bring to Precinct 2 which he represents in the House of Representatives.
However, he added, once the apartments are constructed, the beach front may be restricted to the tenants only.
Demapan estimates the apartments will house up to 300 people but San Isidro St. may not be wide enough to accommodate all their vehicles, which will, he added, create some problems.
He asked CRMO to make sure that access to the beach will remain open to the general public 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
He wants CRMO to make sure that the beach front will still be under the management of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources’ Division of Parks and Recreation.
Demapan said the sewer distribution system may not accommodate the increase in the number of people residing in the area.
CRMO, he added, must consider these concerns and require the developer to address them.
Demapan is also hoping that Triple J will prioritize the residents of Precinct 2 for whatever jobs that may be required once the Sandy Beach Homes project starts and operates.
