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Zoning sets hearing on adult businesses, wind energy
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Posted on Aug 10 2008
The local zoning board will host of public hearing later this month on a series of key regulatory issues, including the fate of new rules for adult businesses and plans to propose standards for privately owned wind energy systems.
In a statement Friday, Zoning Administrator Steve Tilley said the hearing—slated for Aug. 28 at 6pm in the Multi-Purpose Center, Susupe—will address the establishment of a proposed “adult business overlay” along Middle Road and plans to adjust permitting fees, among other related issues. In addition, the public will have a chance to comment on a series of wind energy regulations zoning officials have put forth and hear a presentation on wind energy systems, Tilley said.
The zoning plan for adult businesses such as strip clubs and adult bookstores involves relocating them away from downtown Garapan, where most currently reside, to a section of Middle Road between Sugar King Park and Monsigñor Juan Guerrero Road, according to the plan’s text.
In addition, zoning officials have put forth a request for proposals to create a so-called “adult business park,” a special district where regulations would allow adult businesses to operate in one concentrated area. The Department of Commerce has already proposed that the now vacant La Fiesta complex, built as a shopping mall, could serve as a location for the park. Commerce said the design of the site would aid in the efforts of local authorities to enforce laws.
Meanwhile, the recently crafted wind energy regulations come as scores of business and homeowners are asking Zoning officials for clearance to construct small wind turbines as a means of offsetting the cost of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s high electric power rates. The proposed rules would regulate issues like the location, height and noise level of wind energy systems.
