NMHC urged to fund Roundhouse repair

Former Rep. Stanley C. Torres urged the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. yesterday to use part of its federal grant funds to renovate the Garapan Central Park Roundhouse.

In a letter to NMHC executive director Marylou Ada, Torres cited three areas of the roundhouse that could be improved: air conditioning, acoustics, and general structure and landscaping.

Torres made the recommendation in response to NMHC’s call for project ideas that may be funded under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program, which NMHC facilitates.

“The Garapan Central Park Roundhouse is a popular venue for community events. However, it is lacking in several important areas. Renovation of that facility would benefit the community even further. Please note that both Rota and Tinian enjoy better ’roundhouses.’ The people of Saipan deserve a facility that is similarly comfortable and enjoyable,” said Torres.

According to the former lawmaker, the design of the Garapan roundhouse, with its concrete concave roof, results in hot air accumulation in the middle of the building.

He said this could be addressed by erecting walls and putting up an airconditioning system that could be turned on only when the building is hosting a function.

Torres also complained of the “horrendous” quality of sound inside the building. “Acoustical improvement is needed and can be accomplished through the addition of sound-absorbing material,” he said.

Furthermore, the building needs painting and landscape improvement, he added.

“In summary, I support your agency addressing the needs of the community through improvements to the Garapan Central Park and its roundhouse,” Torres said.

According to NMHC planner and grant writer Robert J. Trianni, some $1.2 million in grant funds is available for 2005 community development projects. This is about the average amount that the CNMI has been receiving under the program for the past four or five years, Trianni said.

Among the projects funded using the 2004 CDBG funds were the planned performing arts center at Sugar King Park and the independent living transitional model home on Saipan; the second phase of Tinian’s public library, and Rota’s baseball and softball field.