A proposal to convert a portion of the abandoned La Fiesta Mall into a medical facility has been submitted to a member of the House of Representatives as well as the Office of the Governor\u2019s earlier this month.<\/p>\n
The proposal, submitted by a California-based investor, seeks to turn the section called Fiesta II into a medical facility complete with an urgent care section, ambulatory surgery center, medical spa, fitness center, farmer\u2019s market, and demonstration kitchen.<\/p>\n
The proposal is with Rep. Lorenzo Deleon Guerrero (Ind-Saipan) and the Governor\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
According to information obtained from Deleon Guerrero, Eric Yan, a medical doctor reported to have businesses in the medical field in Los Angeles and San Francisco, has proposed to convert the \u201cdead\u201d mall in response to Deleon Guerrero\u2019s House Local Bill 20-14, which proposes to hold land owners responsible for the maintenance and conversion of blighted properties on Saipan.<\/p>\n
According to Yan\u2019s proposal, other sections of La Fiesta\u2014Fiesta I and Fiesta III\u2014could be used for education, retail, dining, entertainment, recreation, tourism, housing, community center, and gardens, among other uses.<\/p>\n
In Yan\u2019s proposal to Deleon Guerrero, the rehabilitation of these sections may be done in the secondary phases, according to the needs of the people and government of the CNMI.<\/p>\n
Deleon Guerrero supports the intent of the proposal but said the CNMI needs to know more about Yan\u2019s business background.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to know their business profiles,\u201d he said. \u201cWe need to [first] make sure that this is legit before the administration could entertain [the proposal].\u201d<\/p>\n
Although he declined to comment on the matter directly, press secretary Kevin Bautista told Saipan Tribune that the CNMI\u2019s growing economy has resulted in a \u201crenewed interest by investors regarding the La Fiesta facility and property.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn line with the governor\u2019s goal of controlled growth and development, the administration is looking at new proposals in a deliberate and methodical manner. While no formal timetable has been set regarding the restoration of the La Fiesta facility or a turnover of the lease itself, it remains an issue that will be assessed and reassessed in order to achieve the best possible outcome for our local economy and the needs of the people who call these islands home,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
According to Yan\u2019s proposal, the benefits of his proposal includes lower healthcare expenditures; smaller crowds at the hospitals; decreased rate of obesity and diabetes; spaces for other entrepreneurs to develop their businesses; long-term tenancy; lower crime; medical services; employment during site preparation, rehabilitation, and post-rehabilitation; and the maintenance and repair of the La Fiesta Mall.<\/p>\n
Yan\u2019s proposal pointed out that \u201cmedical complexes are one of the top uses for dead malls and revenue [generation].\u201d No amounts were mentioned in the proposal due to the difficulty to \u201caccurately estimate the level of financing necessary to bring this project into fruition,\u201d citing the lack of \u201cextensive discussions\u201d with the Commonwealth government.<\/p>\n
The proposal states that converting the La Fiesta Mall into a medical facility would be \u201cthe best use\u201d of the area.<\/p>\n
\u201cNone of the existing buildings should be demolished nor major construction should commence unless necessary. This use is supplemented with rehabilitation of other buildings according to the needs of the community and government,\u201d Yan said in his proposal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are interested in a lease with an option to purchase and assumption of the yearly payments of $200,000,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
According to Deleon Guerrero, the La Fiesta Mall lease is held by Bridge Capital LLC. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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