Magofna raises public concerns over Zoning complaints at special meeting

09/08/2025 - Senate vice president Sen. Corina Magofna brought forward mounting public frustration over zoning permit delays during a Commonwealth Zoning Board special meeting last Sept. 4 at the Marianas Business Plaza.

Magofna, who chairs the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation zoning committee, was the only member of the public to speak during the comment period. She told the board she had been approached by both residents and business owners regarding long turnaround times for permits.

“There have been a lot of complaints with regard to the turnaround time on processing permits and whatnot,” Magofna said. “But we also need to keep in mind… there are two sides to every story. It is important that we understand what those issues are, what’s creating the roadblocks, and see how we can find solutions to move forward.”

Board members echoed Magofna’s concerns, acknowledging that public dissatisfaction has become a recurring issue.

Steve Sablan said most meetings he has attended were dominated by complaints. “I’m kind of disappointed that… 80% of those meetings were conducted with members of the public coming in to complain about what we do or how we go about doing what we do,” he said. Sablan cited examples of permit requests languishing for months, only to be approved within minutes after further inquiry.

Eleanor Alinas also pointed to social media as a growing platform for community grievances against the zoning office. 

“The whole purpose of this agency is supposed to be to help not just the businesses, but the community in general. So not only is there a problem with the release of permits on time, but also with the way that, you know, I think this agency is handling even personal, personal properties, right? And there, recently, it's not only like people coming up to the board members, but also social media. Social media has been very, I think, very instrumental in bringing this issue out in the open,” she said.

Beyond complaints, the board also discussed administrative matters, including the contract status of Zoning Administrator Therese T. Ogumoro. Details of that discussion were not disclosed as the board went into executive session, where new business was also taken up.

Present at the meeting were vice chair Michael Evangelista, who presided in the absence of chair Henry S. Hofschneider, along with members Alinas and Sablan. Board member Charlotte Cepeda joined by phone patch.

Report by Mark Rabago