THE Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation on Wednesday passed Senate Local Bill 22-9 which proposes to rezone — to mixed commercial from village commercial — parcels of lands along Msgr. Guerrero Road and Isa Drive from Kanat Tabla to Dandan.
Authored by Senate Floor Leader Vinnie Sablan, S.L.B. 22-9 now goes to the governor.
The local bill was in response to the request of the Commonwealth Zoning Board to rezone “all properties abutting Isa Drive from the intersection of Kanat Tabla Drive to Dandan Road.” Due to the concern that rezoning a few parcels in the zoning district will result in “spot-zoning,” the measure ensures the continuity of existing mixed commercial zoning districts.
The delegation’s Education Committee chaired by Rep. Leila Staffler recommended the passage of S.L.B. 22-9, saying the properties along Isa Drive beginning from the intersection of Kanat Tabla Drive to Dandan Road “are prime properties that seem suitable for commercial uses allowed under mixed commercial zoning districts.”
On a daily basis, the committee said, there is moderate to heavy vehicular traffic in the area.
“If you drive along the area, you will find different businesses along the properties that are abutting the main road, many of which are permitted uses under mixed commercial zones. In rezoning properties to mixed commercial, this will not only provide opportunity for new businesses to arise, but also provide existing businesses within the area with an opportunity to expand their operations,” the committee report stated.
The chairman of the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation, Senate Floor Leader Vinnie Sablan, center, confers with Rep. Richard Lizama, back to the camera, after the adjournment of a delegation session Wednesday in the House chamber.
