Addition of GTX-D Y-Branch, Attraction of Advanced Industries to Reclaimed Land, etc.
Jeong Yuseop, Chairman of the Incheon Mayor Transition Committee (center), is holding a meeting with reporters. [Photo provided by the Incheon Mayor Transition Committee]
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The 'Northern Comprehensive Development Plan,' a development plan for Seo-gu and Gyeyang that was implemented during the sixth term of Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok of Incheon but halted during the seventh term, is being revived.
According to the Incheon Mayor's Transition Committee for the eighth term on the 19th, Mayor-elect Yoo established and promoted the Northern Comprehensive Development Plan in the second half of 2017 while serving as mayor. This plan aimed to address the relatively unregulated development and neglect in the development-restricted areas around the Seoul Metropolitan Landfill in Seo-gu and both sides of the Ara Waterway in Gyeyang-gu, from the perspective of regional balanced development.
The plan consists of northeastern projects such as the Gyeyang Station area development and Sangya Industrial Support Zone development, and northwestern projects including private development projects in undeveloped areas around the Seoul Metropolitan Landfill in Seo-gu and landfill road environment improvement projects.
However, most of these projects were halted during the seventh term, which, according to the transition committee, exacerbated regional imbalance and increased residents' feelings of neglect and dissatisfaction.
Accordingly, the transition committee is preparing a new Northern Comprehensive Development Plan that adds Mayor-elect Yoo's campaign pledges to the existing comprehensive development plan.
The key pledges for this area include the establishment of the GTX-D Y-shaped line, extension of Seoul Subway Line 5, direct connection of Seoul Subway Line 9 with the Airport Railroad, construction of the Gyeyang-Ganghwa Expressway, attraction of advanced industries to the Seoul Metropolitan Landfill along with expansion of parks and cultural and sports complex spaces, and revitalization of leisure and tourism along the Gyeongin Ara Waterway.
A transition committee official stated, "Because the northwestern comprehensive development plan was not implemented, the northern region has become more neglected and underdeveloped. We will promptly promote major projects to achieve balanced development and further enhance residents' regional identity and pride."
He added, "We will significantly expand major transportation infrastructure such as subways and install tourism and leisure facilities to create a new industrial, tourism, and residential hub, making the northern area the future of Incheon."
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