In an interview yesterday, new Zoning Administrator Victor Barrett said he is working with the members of zoning board and the Saipan legislative delegation to come up with another draft that will address the governor’s concerns.
“We are doing whatever we can to help come up with the right legislation,” Barrett said, noting the widespread support for the local bill.
The way he sees it, Barrett said the Zoning Law of 2008 gives Saipan the tools to transform the island into a more attractive and more organized island that is conducive to economic development.
Barrett said he wants to show how determined the zoning board is to improve the quality of life on Saipan.
H.L.B. 16-28 proposes to relocate adult gambling machines to a location away from residences, schools, churches or public recreational areas.
But Fitial said many adult gambling machines are secondary businesses to laundromats or grocery stories that cannot be practically relocated due to the local bill’s vague definition of “undue financial hardship.”
