In yesterday’s meeting with the CDA board members, Triple J Saipan Inc. corporate auditor and representative for Sandy Beach Homes Project, Mike Sablan, said that they have already gotten the approval of the Zoning Office and the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. for the project after separate public hearings.
“We were overwhelmed by the support that we got. We are expecting a reply from CRM by Thursday and, hopefully, from CDA, too,” Sablan, the CNMI’s former public auditor, told reporters.
The proposed Sandy Beach Homes will have six floors, a spacious parking area and will cover five parcels of land, a total of 4,252 square meters.
Sablan said negotiations are underway with the land owners.
“Three of the landowners have already committed, and we hope to hear from the other landowners soon,” he said.
Sablan said the 60 apartment units will cater to families. There will be three bedrooms and one bathroom per unit.
“We will make the project as green as possible, using solar lights and energy efficient facilities,” he said.
As a prime commercial location, there are not too many environmental issues in the area, he added.
Sablan said the budget component is another factor to consider but they are working with NMHC and private sources for funding.
He said they hope to start the project before the year ends, and complete it in about three years.
They are interested in the Pacific Gardenia despite issues on taxes, titles and other concerns surrounding the property as Triple J is willing to undertake risks.
Sablan said they have not yet discussed if they will tear down the Pacific Hotel Gardenia or just modify it if they get approval for their proposal.
He said the building is an integral part of the neighborhood that, when developed, could spur the economy.
“For so many years that it has become idle, the property has deteriorated but we are interested to make it a part of the project,” he said.
Ten companies have showed interest in the Pacific Gardenia Hotel.
The Department of Commerce earlier proposed to have the hotel turned into a business incubator or one-stop shop for businesses, but no action has been done pending the availability of funds.
CDA Chairman Pedro I. Itibus, yesterday said the Commerce Department had not made any decision on its proposal to use the Pacific Gardenia Hotel.
“CDA is in a hurry to dispose of the Pacific Gardenia Hotel because it’s deteriorating,” Itibus said.
