The Coastal Resources Management program agencies committee certified the development’s application packet as complete in a unanimous vote.
“This is an exciting and beneficial project for the CNMI in terms of creating jobs, attracting more visitors and generating tax revenue,” explained Herman Cabrera, project architect.
The estate hopes to break ground in early 2012 once a public hearing concludes on Dec. 7 and a bird mitigation plan is finalized.
Although planning and permitting has proceeded smoothly, one issue may prove to be very costly and ironic — birds.
Galaide, which means bird in Chamorro, must negotiate a bird impact mitigation plan with DLNR that could cost upwards of $50,000-75,000; an issue that the Chinese developer is slowly digesting as such hurdles rarely arise in China.
“Step-by-step we’re explaining the permit process to the owner so that he can appreciate why the regulations are in place…but sometimes when you put a price tag on the regulation, it’s a longer process of acceptance,” commented Cabrera.
Some of the agencies at the meeting also wanted to be “sold” but their concern lays with developer’s seriousness in actually realizing this project, considering various foreign investment ideas have surfaced and then vanished from view just as quickly.
Cabrera addressed the commitment issue head on with conviction and details.
The entire plan encompasses 4.5 hectares at a cost of $13-15 million with a schedule of two to five years for completion.
Barring the bird issue, the project seems to have no major stumbling blocks on the horizon and Galaide may soon enjoy a luxury nest on Navy Hill with a world-class view.
