Mayor Kim Yong-seo's "Meeting with MB" Draws Attention

Regarding resident damages caused by Suwon Airfield, Suwon City announced comprehensive response measures on the 13th, including 'relaxation of altitude restrictions and airfield relocation.'

In particular, Suwon Mayor Kim Yong-seo stated at the conclusion of the press conference, "I am prepared to meet with the president along with politicians from the Suwon region to resolve this issue," drawing attention to his future actions.

At a press conference held in the city hall situation room, Mayor Kim said, "In the June 2009 lawsuit for damages from noise caused by Suwon Airfield, the Seoul Central Administrative Court rendered a 48 billion won damage award, thereby proving the severity of resident damages," and "In particular, a damage survey conducted by Seoul National University's Environmental Noise and Vibration Research Center revealed property damage of 2.3 trillion won." Mayor Kim stated, "We will urge the government to enact early legislation for a special military noise law and demand that the government revise the standard noise level downward from 85 Wecl to 75 Wecl."

According to the measures announced by Mayor Kim on that day, ▲ ordinances to support residents affected by noise will be enacted and a noise countermeasures committee will be organized to research ways to minimize damage, while ▲ customized health verification programs will be conducted through 2010 for residents living in areas with noise levels of 90 Wecl or higher, and will be expanded to include 85 Wecl noise areas in the future.

Additionally, ▲ noise reduction projects including installation of double-pane windows in 3 community centers and 28 senior centers, and support for public utility fees ▲ 2.6 billion won will be allocated to 19 schools for noise prevention, and the English belt project for western Suwon and Gosaek High School will receive 200 million won annually in education expenses for three years.

Along with this, ▲ soundproofing construction for Pyeongdong Daycare Center will be carried out, and a feasibility study for altitude restriction relaxation centered on flight safety zones 5 and 6 will be promoted ▲ a joint damage countermeasures council involving resident representatives and civic organizations will be launched, and plans to abolish the emergency runway and relocate the airfield will be pursued in the long term.

Mayor Kim stated, "This comprehensive response measure is the starting point for alleviating damages related to Suwon Airfield, and we will make efforts from multiple angles to ensure that comprehensive measures at the government level are implemented."