Shin Hyun-tae: "City to Establish West Suwon Balanced Development Task Force"

―Regarding demands for simultaneous groundbreaking on the Shinbundang Line extension.
▲Simultaneous groundbreaking should be pursued in consideration of metropolitan southwest region's broad transportation demand. Then-President-elect Lee Myung-bak made a campaign pledge for simultaneous groundbreaking on the Shinbundang Line. Suwon City and Gyeonggi Province are bearing 1.35 trillion won for the integrated promotion of the Shinbundang Line extension project and have submitted a proposal to the central government for integrated construction. The first-phase section is planned to proceed with private capital. We will do our best to ensure simultaneous groundbreaking can be promoted by monitoring the results of the Planning and Budget Commission's review on private investment construction methods.

―Your stance on promoting Suwon as a metropolitan city.
▲Suwon City shows no difference compared to Ulsan Metropolitan City in terms of population and budget scale. To be upgraded to metropolitan city status, various administrative procedures must be followed. A review of the Suwon City Council's proposal for metropolitan city status must take place, and public opinion on a citizens' referendum has also been raised. Should Suwon be upgraded to metropolitan city status, discussions on metropolitan city status are expected from Seongnam and Goyang as well, raising concerns about provincial opposition. However, I believe that for the realization of genuine local autonomy, the decision should be left to the citizens regarding which direction is correct.

―What about the Suwon Airfield relocation issue?
▲Currently, approximately 200,000 residents are pursuing compensation claims lawsuits regarding noise damage. I will do my best to ensure compensation rulings are made promptly. For the relocation issue, accurate assessment of damage to educational rights, health rights, and property rights must first be conducted. Continuous measures are needed, including altitude restrictions and regulatory exemptions to prevent property damage, as well as health checkup services. I believe the relocation issue must be addressed through close coordination with the government to establish comprehensive measures within a short timeframe.

―What are the ways to revitalize small retailers and traditional markets?
▲The expansion of large discount marts is eroding the demand base for small and medium-sized distribution businesses. It is necessary to convert large mart entrance permits to a licensing system, and local governments should enact ordinances strengthening indirect regulations, including location restrictions, operational guidelines, and expanded traffic congestion charges. Improvements to financing support systems for small and medium-sized distribution and mitigation of joint logistics center construction burdens are needed. Support measures such as having large marts sell specific products for Suwon region areas at 20% are also necessary.

―Underground construction of the Suin Line's Suwon section and relocation of the train depot yard site.
▲If we cooperate in harmony and resolve it together, there will be no problems. Public opinion is evenly split between those requesting faster promotion even through aboveground construction and those demanding underground construction. If we find a consensus through resident consultation, construction will be accelerated, providing traffic convenience to residents. Regarding depot yard relocation and underground construction, we will consult regularly with the Railway Infrastructure Corporation to ensure all construction is completed promptly within the scheduled period through every possible effort.

―What is most urgent for West Suwon's balanced development?
▲It is being evaluated as the most underdeveloped area in Suwon. There are many pending issues including airfield noise damage, Homaesilsil residential development, Shinbundang Line extension project, and the Suin Line. Additionally, attracting general hospitals, establishing new high schools, and expanding cultural welfare facilities make this a region requiring close dialogue and cooperation between Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province, and resident consultative bodies for balanced development. I will propose the establishment of a West Suwon Balanced Development Task Force to Suwon City and will establish long and short-term development plans, then formulate comprehensive development programs through dialogue with residents.

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