Coral Tree Avenue officially opens
The Coral Tree Avenue formally opened yesterday after a $1.8-million facelift that forms part of efforts to improve the image of downtown Garapan.
The newly-paved highway was opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Paseo De Marianas along the Coral Tree Avenue.
Department of Public Works Secretary John Reyes led the ceremony that was attended by government officials and executive officers of some of the establishments within the area.
Reyes said the Coral Tree Avenue improvement—a component of the Garapan Revitalization Project—now features pavements along the strip situated just east of Hyatt Regency Saipan and Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach in Garapan, as well as crosswalks for pedestrians, among others.
Project coordinator Bill Wanket said the avenue also now has about 30 parking spaces to accommodate visiting motorists within the area.
The Coral Tree Avenue is now a one-way street since May, going north from Orchid St. exiting to Micro Beach Road. Wanket said at least 95 percent of motorists follow the traffic regulation.
Marianas Visitors Authority board chair David M. Sablan gave the opening remark during the ceremony and shared his recollection of what used to be in the area 30 years ago.
Lt. Gov. Diego N. Benavente provided the welcoming remarks on behalf of Gov. Juan N. Babauta. Benavente thanked those behind the project for its early completion. The project began in January this year and was originally set to end in October.
Benavente thanked Wanket for his dedicated service to the beautification projects of the administration for the CNMI.
Attorney General Pamela Brown, Special Assistant Tom Tebuteb, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Santiago Tudela, Saipan Chamber of Commerce executive director Christine Parke, Hyatt Regency Saipan general manager Michael Von Siebenthal, HANMI president Lynn Knight, Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach F&B director Tom Welch, among others, attended the event. Representatives from Winzler & Kelly Consulting Engineer and Maeda Pacific Corp. were also present. Maeda president Thomas J. Nielsen gave the closing remarks.
Special Advisor for CIP Management Charles Jordan hosted the ceremony.
