“The facility will [also] not rely entirely on city water. Non-point water sources from man-made ponding basin and rain catch storage will hold the water for flushing toilets and for watering the grass, trees, and ornamental flowers,” the planners said.
A core group, composed of former political leaders and representatives of government agencies, was created to make the necessary preparation for the project.
Then-Zoning Administrator Steve Tilley said he was impressed by the core group’s compliance with requirements for public parking, infrastructure setbacks, and other aspects of the Saipan Zoning Law.
In a press statement, the Saipan municipal council said Department of Public Lands Secretary John Del Rosario was asked to issue a grant of public domain for Saipan’s first “Leadership Memorial Courtyard.”
DPL said the council has to meet several conditions, which included securing a perimeter survey of the property and submitting the approved survey plan to the Commonwealth Recorder’s Office.
DPL also required a demonstration of other due diligence efforts, such as the submission of a preliminary site development plan.
To fast track the compliance, a core group was created consisting of former Mayor Frank Diaz, former Saipan Municipal Council Speaker Vicente Camacho, former Marianas District Legislature President Vicente Santos and former San Vicente Elementary School principal Moses Fejeran, who is also a former House member.
Robert Hunter, executive director of the NMI Museum, is also part of the group.
Most of the group’s meetings were held at the museum last year.
Brian Smith from the Department of Public Work heads the site development plan subcommittee.
The other members of the group initiative are Henry Hofschneider of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Herman Palacios from the Historic Preservation Office, Gonzalo Santos from the Indigenous Affairs Office and Jean Sablan from the private sector.
Technical assistance is provided by Jack Songsong from DLNR and Darrel Songsong from DPW.
Council Chairwoman Antonia Tudela, Vice Chairman Ramon B. Camacho and Councilman Felipe Atalig are also part of the core group.
Council advisor William Torres works closely with the group.
Once completed, a brick pathway will be the main entrance to both the parking lot and the courtyard which will be located near the post office in Chalan Kanoa.
The brick overlay drive will be open for visitors of the memorial center, but closed for public roadway, except for emergency vehicles.
The entire courtyard perimeter, including the public parking area. will be planted with “royal palm and fox tail trees interspersed with hibiscus flowers combination. “
A three-foot colored chain link fence will provide protection around the courtyard against the constant traffic flow in and out of Chalan Kanoa and especially tenants and visitors to the post office.
