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Reconsider Marpi homestead plan
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Posted on Apr 07 2009
I have lived on Saipan for 16 years and seen lots if issues come and go. This is my first protest letter however.
One of my favorite spots on Saipan is the Marpi area, especially the area around Suicide Cliff. I was devastated the other day to see a large area bulldozed flat, apparently for a homestead, right where one of the great vista views looking south is and right where tourists going to Suicide Cliff must drive by. Not only will this development affect the scenic beauty of the area, but also the area has special spiritual and historical significance to our biggest tourism market: the Japanese. Think how the project will affect that as well.
Hey, I am all for homesteads. But why so close to a major tourist area? Right now, our only economy is tourism, yet with our tourism declining, we will build a major development spoiling one of the prettiest, historical and spiritual areas of Saipan? Why there? Why not somewhere more developed? Why near a tourist spot?
For example, why not work something out with the landowners of the abandoned garment factories to put homesteads there? This would have several positive results: bring families back to places like San Antonio and help revitalize these areas and not cut down any more trees or otherwise affect the beauty or historical value of Saipan. Or if that is not feasible, put some homesteads in a more developed, less touristy area. And if we are to build homesteads, why not do them properly, i.e., make a proper village out of them with a school, shopping area already planned out.
I believe the CNMI cannot afford to take action that will negatively detract from the beauty, historical, or spiritual significance of our islands, which is what brings the tourists here. Please, please reconsider.
[B]David Banes[/B] [I]Mt. Tapochau, Saipan[/I]
