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New Zoning chief wants close relations with community
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Posted on May 21 2009
The incoming administrator of the Saipan Zoning Office says a closer relationship with members of the community is needed in order to achieve the agency’s goals.
Newly hired Victor Barrett, who had just inked a two-year contract, said that besides running the Zoning Office, one of his key goals is to facilitate a common vision of what Saipan wants to be, including going to the community for help in preserving the culture.
“We will make sure that we are here to help improve the quality of life of people,” said Barrett, who will return to Arizona today.
He will be coming back to Saipan with his wife and 12-year-old son on June 17, in time for his oath taking on June 21.
Barrett said he is now reviewing the Saipan Zoning Code. “I’m still familiarizing myself with the policies and procedures of the office. Next week, there will be two new employees,” he said.
During his weeklong visit, Barrett met with members of the Zoning Board and officials in the Executive Branch.
He met government lawyer Allan Barack yesterday to discuss current issues in the zoning law.
He also attended the Wednesday presentation of the Neighborhood Revitalization and Resource Directory to acting Gov. Eloy S. Inos by the Saipan Municipal Council, which is pushing the revitalization of Chalan Kanoa as the capital of Saipan.
The Zoning Office plays a major part in preserving the heritage and cultural and historical aspects of the island.
“The idea is to create workable and livable towns and villages. We also put pedestrian first and car is second,” Barrett said.
Barrett is an advocate of sustainable development, using energy wisely and ensuring that the island can contribute to development by initiating local production of resources.
His other expertise is energy-efficient construction, which is a means of using local materials for design since electricity is a big problem in the CNMI.
