Thank you and goodbye

To the citizens of Saipan: I am resigning my position of Zoning Administrator on April 3 so that my wife, Chris, and I can relocate to Olympia, Washington. We need to take care of our parents and want to be closer to our children. I want to thank you for all the support you have given to me and to the Zoning effort over the past few years. I also want to thank Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation and the Zoning Board members for their leadership and hard work to bring zoning back to Saipan. The board labored long hours through difficult issues and have been compensated only by the knowledge that they are working for the betterment of their own community.

Some people said they didn’t think Saipan was ready for zoning. However, during many public meetings held by the Zoning board, community members stated again and again that they wanted a change. They wanted their homes and villages protected from auto shops, poker parlors, and other such incompatible activities. They wanted Garapan and other tourist areas to be family and pedestrian friendly. They wanted commercial buildings to be more attractive and to provide for traffic safety. The Zoning Board held a special workshop in May 2007 that resulted in the Garapan and Beach Road Revitalization Plan. These findings and recommendations were incorporated into the proposed Saipan Zoning Law of 2007.

In 2008 we began implementing the new law. As of now, the Zoning Office has received over 3,600 inquiries and applications. We want to thank the public and businesses for their patience as we created the new permit systems and processed the documents. Last year was an important learning experience for us. One example of how zoning can improve the quality of life for Saipan residents is the ban on banners. I have heard repeatedly from residents that they like how buildings look without a clutter of banners and signs. Other benefits of zoning may be more subtle, or may take several years to see.

The Zoning Board developed updates to the 2007 law that were incorporated into the Saipan Zoning Law of 2008. The board intends to prepare updates every year because they want to improve the law and adapt to changes in the economy and population. I encourage everyone to trust in this process, and more importantly, to participate in the process, so that Saipan will indeed be a Pacific “paradise.” Our tourism industry relies on our island’s beauty, but more importantly, we want the best possible quality of life for ourselves and our children.

Chris and I will miss all our friends and beautiful Saipan. We hope to continue assisting the CNMI from the mainland and to come for visits. Thank you again for your support and friendship these last six years.