Garapan revitalization work to start near end of January

In a notice to Garapan business owners and the public by the Garapan Revitalization Task Force and the Office of Planning and Development, the Garapan Revitalization Project which broke ground last November 2022, will commence its four-phase plan toward the end of January 2023 and will continue until November 2024.

The U.S Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, in partnership with the Office of Planning and Development under the Offices of Gov. Arnold Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, is finally starting Phase 1 of the four-phase project.

The over $8-million project will be spearheaded by USA Fanter Corp.

After the completion of all four phases, the Garapan Revitalization Project will have transformed the CNMI’s tourism hub into a world-class site. The project will repave streets; create on-street parking; construct new concrete curbs, gutters and sidewalks; install new streetlights; and provide extensive landscaping.

Phase I, which is set from the end of January to April 2023, will convert the Paseo de Marianas Pedestrian Mall into a two-way street. Other affected roads in this phase will cover Plumeria Avenue, between Paseo de Marianas and Micro Beach Road; Ginger Avenue, between Coconut Street and CPL. Derence Jack Road; Coffee Tree Mall, between Coconut Street and CPL. Derence Jack Road; and Royal Palm Avenue, between Coconut Street and CPL. Derence Jack Road.

Phase II, which is set to begin sometime in April until September 2023, will cover Beach Road, between Garapan Street and CPL. Derence Jack Road; Beach Road east side, between CPL. Derence Jack Road and Micro Beach Road; Coconut Street; Date Street; Royal Palm Avenue, between Coconut Street and Paseo de Marianas; and Coffee Tree Mall, between Coconut Street and Paseo de Marianas.

Phase III, which is set to begin sometime in September 2023 until January 2024, covers Beach Road west side, between CPL. Derence Jack Road and Micro Beach Road; Palm Street; Micro Beach Road south side, between Beach Road and Coral Tree Avenue.

Phase IV, set for January 2024 to May 2024, will cover Royal Palm Avenue, between Paseo de Marianas and Micro Beach Road; Coffee Tree Mall, between Paseo de Marianas and Micro Beach Road; Ginger Avenue, between Paseo de Marianas and Micro Beach Road; and Plumeria Avenue, between CPL. Derence Jack Road and Coconut Street.

Landscaping maintenance will be done from May 2024 to November 2024.

“The Garapan Revitalization Project will transform our main tourist district into a world-class destination. We ask for everyone’s patience and support as we begin our construction work by phase. Each phase will take a few months so expect minimal inconveniences as we work toward rehabilitating Garapan Core. The long-term effect this project will have on our economy is tremendous. Let’s get this project moving so our tourists and residents have something new and exciting to look forward to,” said Christopher A. Concepcion, Garapan Revitalization Task Force chairman and Office of Planning and Development deputy director, in a statement to the media. “The Garapan Revitalization Task Force and the Office of Planning and Development under the Offices of Governor Arnold Palacios and Lt. Gov. Dave Apatang are very pleased to see continued progress on this much-anticipated project.”

Concepcion said in the notice, “We ask for your continued support and cooperation throughout the two-year project construction period.” For more information, contact garapan@opd.gov.mp.