House confirms two Zoning Board members after questioning on outdated rules and interagency coordination

The House confirmed Michael N. Evangelista and Henry S. Hofschneider to the Commonwealth Zoning Board on Feb. 11, 2025, after members questioned the nominees about outdated zoning rules, appeals procedures and coordination between agencies.

Lawmakers said the panel needs clearer procedures and closer coordination with other agencies to address blighted properties and streamline permitting for small businesses and residents. Several members said they expect the zoning board to return to the legislature with proposed amendments in May.

Nominee Henry S. Hofschneider, who serves as the zoning board chairman, told representatives that the board relies on the written law and on hearings to decide contested matters. "We look at the law and apply it to the facts," Hofschneider said, describing the board's adjudicative approach and its current effort to draft regulations governing hearings. He also said the board does not currently livestream meetings: "We don't broadcast it live. We don't, live stream. We don't have that capability now," and that most of the board's regular meetings are scheduled at 2 p.m.

Representative Marissa Flores thanked Hofschneider for attending the session and for his staff, saying, "you have good staff," and pressed him on how the board decides appeals and whether the zoning administrator can act independently of the board. Hofschneider said the administrator can make recommendations and that appeals are decided by the full board after parties present evidence and testimony.

Senators and representatives on the floor urged quicker public access to meetings and faster permit hearings. Senator Magoffnia described a proposed Senate bill that would pause or alter zoning enforcement while the legislature reviews the law and said the bill had been referred to committee: "The bill is not perfect... but it has been referred to my committee as of yesterday," she said, adding that the legislature will invite zoning to testify. Lawmakers discussed a 30-day advance-public-notice requirement in the current zoning law and said they may seek to shorten that period by amendment.

Members and at least one public commenter also raised grants and interagency coordination for blighted-property remediation. A speaker during public comment said there is National/municipal blighted-property grant funding that can cover modest costs — citing an example figure of about $1,000 to remove a blight designation — and urged zoning to coordinate with grants management and other agencies before posting nuisance notices.

On formal action, the House confirmed Michael N. Evangelista by roll call; the clerk reported 17 members voting in the affirmative with four members absent. The House then confirmed Henry S. Hofschneider; the clerk reported all 18 members present voting in the affirmative.

Hofschneider told the chamber the board plans to present "a comprehensive, proposed amendments to the law" at the body's May meeting and that the board is already reviewing topics such as parking exemptions for the Garapan core, setback requirements, and permitting timelines. Several members urged the board to work with the legislature to identify which provisions should remain in statute and which could be moved to adjustable regulations.

Votes at a glance: - Confirmation: Michael N. Evangelista — Passed (roll call: 17 yes, 0 no, 4 absent). - Confirmation: Henry S. Hofschneider — Passed (roll call: 18 yes, 0 no).

The session record shows members and the nominees agreed to continue conversations and to bring detailed amendment proposals back to the legislature in May for further consideration.