Suwon Prepares Vacant Housing Management Plan Following Survey

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Following Suwon Ilbo's coverage of vacant housing conditions in Suwon (February 24 of last year, "Abandoned Houses Standing in Suwon Special City," and March 9 of last year, "Suwon Vacant Housing Policy Proposal," exclusive reports), Suwon City is now establishing a vacant housing management plan based on survey results.

The city held a kickoff report meeting for the 'Vacant Housing Management Plan Establishment Project' at the city hall situation room on the 21st, discussing the basic direction and implementation plans for the vacant housing management project. The project is expected to be completed by August of this year.

The target of the management plan covers 198 housing units identified as vacant in the condition survey conducted from May to October last year. The city conducted on-site inspections of an estimated 300 vacant housing units that had not incurred water and electricity charges for over one year to confirm their actual vacant status, and has identified 198 units as vacant.

According to the survey results, Grade 1 (reusable) properties that can be used without renovation or after minor repairs totaled 123 units (62%), while Grade 2 (maintenance) properties requiring safety measures or equivalent maintenance totaled 61 units (31%). Grade 3 (renovation) properties requiring demolition or equivalent renovation work totaled 14 units (7%).

The kickoff meeting was attended by Hyun Geun-taek, Vice Mayor of Suwon City, Hong Kyung-gu, Master Planner of Suwon City (Professor of Architecture at Dankook University), relevant government officials, and private experts.

Vice Mayor Hyun Geun-taek stated, "Vacant houses with concerns about safety accidents and crimes are an important issue directly related to community safety," and added, "Based on the vacant housing management plan to be established through this project, we will systematically manage and address vacant houses that deteriorate residential environments."