The Saipan zoning law mandates the gradual phase out of “adult businesses” from Garapan after September this year.
“The Zoning Board is currently attempting to engage in discussions with DPL to identify certain public lands for leasing on which the Adult Business Park would be constructed,” said Zoning Board Chairman Henry S. Hofscheider in an e-mail to the Variety.
At the same time, Hofscheider said “the delay to implement the Adult Business Overlay District is realistically reasonable.”
“The board will be issuing a request for proposal for a new adult district within the next 30 days, so at this point it is status quo for the existing adult businesses,” said Zoning Administrator Victor Barrett in an e-mail to the Variety.
Hofscheider said the Zoning Board learned that building owners along Middle Road, earlier being considered as an alternative location, showed a lack of interest in leasing or renting commercial spaces to adult businesses.
He said the board and the Zoning Office have revisited the Adult Business Overlay District and believe that Middle Road should first be improved to enhance traffic safety before it can absorb new businesses.
“Of course, the ABO District is still along Middle Road, and anyone who wishes to open an adult business there may do so subject to Zoning Board approval,” Hofscheider explained.
