ZONING Administrator Geralyn Dela Cruz on Tuesday asked the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation not to pass House Local Bill 22-13, which proposes to allow hollow block manufacturing for conditional use in village-commercial zones.
Introduced by Rep. John Paul Sablan, H.L.B. 22-13 states that without an adequate supply of hollow blocks, many individuals and businesses are forced to procure concrete hollow blocks from outside the CNMI. This often results in higher costs for the construction projects, the local bill stated.
According to Dela Cruz, village-commercial zones are intended to provide basic commercial services to adjoining residential communities, and accommodate low- to medium-density residential development.
She added that development in these zoning districts should be compatible with the pedestrian and family-friendly character of nearby residential neighborhoods.
“Imagine having a hollow block plant in your backyard,” she said. “That is like having a hollow block plant 100 feet away from Mount Carmel School or Golden Harvest School & Daycare,” she said.
Dela Cruz said residents in As Gonno where an applicant has proposed to operate a hollow block plant are opposed to it. These residents are in a village-commercial zone, she added.
“They’ve expressed concerns about noise and emissions, possible health hazards, peace and quiet, and negative effects on their neighborhood,” Dela Cruz said.
She added, “We all know that there is no shortage of concrete hollow blocks in the CNMI.” And if there is, “then, let’s [manufacture them] in the industrial zones.”
If there is a shortage of industrial zones, she said, “perhaps we should…create more industrial zones rather than allowing a use that will affect a residential neighborhood.”
“Mr. Chairman and members,” Dela Cruz said, “please listen to the people and the agency responsible for ensuring harmonious compatibility among landowners. We ask that you disapprove House Local Bill 22-13 and protect both present and future residents of Saipan.”
Zoning Administrator Geralyn Dela Cruz speaks before the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation on Tuesday.
