Poem, "If the proper procedure for permit application is followed, it must be granted"
Residents, "Concerns over traffic congestion and harm to residents' health"
[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-cheol] Yangju City in Gyeonggi Province has refuted claims that the construction permit for a large logistics center in the Okjeong Residential District was unjust.
The city stated on the 2nd that "the site subject to the construction permit for the large logistics center in the Okjeong District is located on the outskirts of Okjeong New Town, not in the center of Okjeong New Town or Deokjeong District," and added, "According to the Okjeong Residential District guidelines, it is designated as an urban support facility site where sales facilities, warehouse facilities, and similar uses are permitted."
They also clarified the legality of the construction permit and approval process, including the holding of a public hearing with residents' consent.
The city explained, "The construction permit was lawfully processed after consultations with a total of 27 related institutions and relevant departments, including traffic impact assessments, educational environment evaluations, and cultural heritage surveys."
They further added, "There is no related regulation under the Building Act requiring a public hearing with residents during the permit and approval process, nor is there any reason to hold one separately."
Moreover, they stated, "Since the site was designated as an urban support facility by LH during the development of Okjeong New Town, if the permit application follows normal procedures, it must be granted."
However, the city said, "We will work with the project operator to find measures to minimize damages caused by issues such as noise, dust, traffic congestion, and illegal parking, which citizens are concerned about."
Earlier, residents who raised the issue stated, "The construction permit for the logistics facility (warehouse) at 593-1 Goam-dong, Yangju City, significantly harms the public interest," and announced that they would request a resident audit from Gyeonggi Province for 'permit cancellation.'
The residents argued, "Within a 2 km radius of the logistics center project site, there are about 20 apartment complexes located in Deokjeong District and Okjeong New Town," and added, "According to research by major medical institutions, people living near areas with heavy vehicle exhaust emissions have up to twice the risk of developing lung cancer compared to those who do not."
They also urged for 'permit cancellation,' stating, "Large freight vehicles will be constantly coming and going, causing accident risks and serious inconvenience to daily life, and it could also negatively affect the preservation of the Yangju Hoeamsaji cultural heritage site, which was recently included in the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list."
Meanwhile, the site where the logistics facility will be built is located in an area connecting Okjeong and Hoecheon New Towns with Deokjeong District, situated along major northern Gyeonggi roads such as the National Road No. 3 alternative bypass and the Yangju IC of the Guri-Pocheon Expressway.
Additionally, since apartment complexes are densely clustered and traffic congestion is frequent, there are concerns that the establishment of a large logistics facility will exacerbate traffic jams.
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