Industrial Zone Near Samsung Electronics, Risks Misunderstanding Over Zoning Change to Commercial

“Industrial Zone Near Samsung Electronics, Risks Misunderstanding Over Zoning Change to Commercial”

○… Councilmember Kim Ki-jeong pointed out that changing the industrial zone near Samsung Electronics to a commercial zone could be easily misunderstood as assisting Samsung. He questioned whether the revision, involving an expenditure of approximately 370 million won less than a year after establishing the basic plan last year, was centered on the area surrounding Samsung Electronics. In response, Kim Yeong-chul, Vice President of the consulting firm (Gunhwa Construction), who appeared as a reference witness, stated that the revision was intended to present Suwon City's vision being pursued with 2020 as a target, and that it was not aimed at a specific area. Councilmember Kim advised that sufficient public input should be gathered regarding the inadequacy of urban infrastructure and the necessity of commercial and business functions for establishing an advanced industrial complex.

“Post-Management Measures Must Be Established for Rooftop Greening Project”

○… Councilmember Lee Jong-pil pointed out that the rooftop greening project being promoted to expand green space within the city is not properly managed and is left abandoned after receiving building permits. He requested that post-management measures be established, as the project is effective in improving the urban landscape image. Related to this, Councilmember Kang Jang-bong proposed measures to introduce rooftop greening in existing buildings in addition to new construction. In response, Lee Sang-yoon, Director of the Urban Planning Bureau, answered that "we will increase inspection frequency for large buildings and focus on post-management efforts." The rooftop greening project has planted a total of 79,000 trees on rooftops from 2006 to the present.

“Rear District of Gwonseon Administrative Town Must Be Developed Early”

○… Regarding the development of the rear district of Gwonseon Administrative Town, Councilmember Hong Gi-dong criticized that the rear district was excluded from the original development plan, resulting in lack of activation, and accessibility is poor, causing inconvenience to residents. He urged that these issues be reflected when developing the rear district, which spans approximately 115,179㎡ in size, including commercial land and parks, and that the development timeline be accelerated. However, there are concerns that with many landowners in the area, consensus-building is difficult, and consequently, the establishment of district unit plans based on private proposals may be delayed.

District Unit Plan Established for KCC Site Near Suwon Station

○… During the questioning process by Councilmember Lee Jong-pil directed at the Urban Planning Division, it was confirmed that a district unit plan (draft) for the KCC site (273,600㎡) near Suwon Station was established and submitted on the 21st. The councilmember requested active cooperation through consultations with the Korea Railroad Corporation and Aegyung Department Store to ensure that traffic issues and access route securing do not arise.

“Sale Proceeds from Public Institution Relocation Sites Must Be Received in Cash”

○… Committee Chairman Kim Hyo-soo argued that for the 3,231,583㎡ of land designated for relocation of 12 public institutions distributed across the Suwon region, a certain portion of the sale proceeds should be received in cash rather than receiving land through donation in kind. He stated that it is also necessary to establish a plan as a method to secure funds for urgently needed projects such as the construction of public parking lots. Lee Sang-yoon, Director of the Urban Planning Bureau, proposed that before the government's guidelines for public institution relocation are established next year, the city council should also organize special committees to respond jointly. This is interpreted as meaning that even if Suwon City establishes a utilization plan, if the government proceeds unilaterally, it would be rendered useless.

City Reviewing Plan to Secure 180,000㎡ of Residential Land as Parks

○… During questioning by Councilmembers Lee Yun-pil and Kim Jin-kwan regarding the reduction of conservation land in the 2020 Suwon City Urban Master Plan revision, it was revealed that Suwon City is reviewing a plan to secure approximately 180,000㎡ of residential land designated as urban development planned areas in two locations as parks. However, the city stated that it cannot disclose the urban development planned areas being reviewed for security reasons. The city plans to expand the per-capita park area for citizens, currently 3.33㎡, to 12.77㎡, which is four times the current level, by 2020.

“Banner Designated Billboard Consignment Project Should Be Converted to Tax Revenue Enhancement Project”

○… Councilmember Lee Jae-sik proposed that the banner designated billboard consignment project in the Urban Landscape Division's administrative affairs inspection should be converted into a project to increase the city's tax revenue. He pointed out that a specific company (Suwon Branch of the Korea Outdoor Advertising Association) was selected for 15 years and received benefits, and in the last year's open competitive bidding, this company was again selected, with the specific company monopolizing profits. On the other hand, Lee Sang-yoon, Director of the Urban Planning Bureau, responded that revenue reached only 3.45 million won as of the end of October this year, indicating that profit generation is minimal. To this, Committee Chairman Kim Hyo-soo stated, "If profit generation is minimal, why would three organizations have competed in last year's bidding?" and instructed that a fact-finding investigation be conducted and results be reported.