The Guam Land Use Commission approved an application to rezone four lots in Yigo from agricultural to multifamily use Thursday, clearing the way for a new subdivision.
The applicant, CPI Investments, plans to build housing on seven lots in the area. Three of the lots have already been rezoned to single-family residential use. The four lots rezoned Thursday, with a total area of 10.87 acres, would be used for townhomes.
The area is east of Route 1 between Perez Acres and DL Perez Elementary School, with Chalan Nanalao on the northern perimeter. It is bisected by Chalan Felix Remedios in a north-south direction.
Planner Felix C. Benavente, representing CPI Investments, told commission members the developers want to build 133 single-family homes and 44 townhouses on the property, which would include a community center and open spaces.
He said the design would be similar the Summer Palace subdivision on Harmon Loop Road.
When questioned about the target market for the subdivision, Benavente said developers wanted to make it “as affordable as possible.”
He noted the area is currently undeveloped, but is surrounded by single-family homes.
Guam Land Use Commission staff noted that neighbors had previously raised concerns about persistent flooding in the area during heavy rainfall, and those testifying at public hearings were worried that development might exacerbate the flooding.
“The applicant’s representative acknowledged the ongoing flooding conditions and indicated that these issues are expected to persist if the property remains undeveloped,” according to the staff report. “The representative further noted that subdivision development would require compliance with established regulations, including site grading, drainage design, stormwater management and the installation of storm drain systems. These requirements, according to the applicant’s representative, would provide an opportunity to address and mitigate the impacts of the flooding as part of the project's engineering and construction process.”
Staff recommended approval of the rezoning, because there is a documented demand for additional housing in the area, and townhouses will provide a higher-density housing option. The staff report also stated the site was conveniently located near Andersen Air Force Base, Route 1 and village services.
“Staff notes, however, that potential impacts such as increased traffic, stormwater management and service demands must be adequately addressed through the permitting process to ensure that the project advances the general welfare without creating unintended adverse impacts,” the report stated.
The commission unanimously approved the rezoning.
