Editor’s Note: These are just a handful of the scoops that the Journal has brought to its readers in 2005. Online subscribers of the Journal also receive News Flashes on breaking stories that were reported on www.mbjguam.net. The Journal looks forward to bringing you even more scoops in 2006.
Gigantic Orix wants PIC Guam Jan. 23
Japanese conglomerate Orix Corp. has almost completed negotiations to buy Pacific Islands Club Guam.
“Ypao Point proposal shows diversity strategy” Feb. 21
Chamorro Land Trust Commission officials remained tight-lipped about a lucrative contract they expected to sign by February’s end to develop the site of the former Guam Memorial Hospital known as Ypao Point. The money generated from a development lease and a separate ground lease will be used to fund the operations and capital improvement projects of the Chamorro Land Trust Commission.
YTT Corp. proposes mansions a luxury hotel a leisure and fitness center a shopping mall and the Guam Tower at Ypao Point. |
“Cross Island Road mega-property sold” March 21
One of the largest pieces of undeveloped land on Guam was sold to a group of businessmen with two local participants. On March 11 newly formed Terra Capital Corp. purchased a 1 million-square-meter property in Pagachao Agat for $950 000.
TSA turbulence; Frank Blas Jr. first offered top job; Sgambelluri may sue May 2
In a sudden move that shocked the aviation industry the Transportation Security Administration on April 28 replaced Col. Adolph P. Sgambelluri with a man from Hawaii. Frank Blas Jr. was offered the job and Sgambelluri considered suing over the issue.
“Onward tees up to buy Talofofo Golf Resort” May 2
The parent company of Onward Beach Resort Onward Kashiyama Co. Ltd. has entered into final negotiations with Talofofo Golf Resort’s parent company for the purchase of the golf course. However local Onward officials are kept silent on the issue.
“No aircraft carrier … but U.S. Marines for Andy South in two years” May 16
Guam will not get the aircraft carrier to be stationed in the Pacific. However a source within Naval Forces Marianas said speaking only on condition of anonymity the island can expect to see — thousands of Marines within two years.
“Navy plans bomb route with munitions highway “ July 11
The Navy is in the process of conducting a study that would create a munitions highway between Big Navy and Andersen Air Force Base according to correspondence obtained by the Journal.
“Home Depot picks a property” Aug. 8
Negotiations are “that close” to concluding between Home Depot USA Inc. and Calvo Realty & Management Co.
“Aviation excitement; Airport authority envisions cargo corridor at Tiyan” Sept. 5
The Antonio B. Won Pat Guam International Airport Authority said it is negotiating with three potential developers that want to build freight facilities on property surrounding the airport.
“Future freeways; Here is a peek at Guam’s road to the future” Sept. 19
Guam’s roadways could look significantly different 15 years from now according to the draft version of the Guam 2020 Highway Master Plan. Duenas Bordallo & Associates completed the final version of the master plan in October.
“Starts starts; High-end resort housing development to begin in 2006” Oct. 17
Starts Guam Golf Resort is to build on-course homes within its approximately 1 160 000 square-meter property by next year.
“Forbes bill to give current GCC land to original landowners” Oct. 31
Guam Community College may lose land earmarked for development if it is handed back to its original landowners.
“Anchors away; Dry dock approved for Saipan port” Nov. 14
A new shipyard in Saipan will provide up to 100 jobs in the Northern Mariana Islands a new repair facility for ships and boats and an apprenticeship scheme.
“Outlay at Okura; Renovation to cost $20 million-plus “ Nov. 28
The Guam Hotel Okura is planning to spend between an estimated $20 million and $30 million on expanding and adding new areas to its existing facilities – making it one of the largest redevelopments in Tumon.
“Future flights; Air Saipan plans Asia charter launch” Dec. 12
Saipan can expect to see an airline bearing a local name with the planned start up of Air Saipan in February or March. MBJ
“
