Mokdong Reconstruction Complex Recognized as a Major Beneficiary of Deregulation
Considering Reconstruction Promotion Timetable by Applying System Changes
"Safety Inspection Procedures to Resume as Soon as the January Notice Is Released Next Year"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] The government’s significant easing of reconstruction safety inspection regulations has been welcomed by reconstruction complexes in Mokdong, Seoul. The Mokdong New Town area is considered a prime beneficiary of this regulatory relaxation, as most complexes are currently undergoing safety inspections. Residents in the area are expressing relief, saying, "A long-standing issue has been resolved," and are hopeful that "reconstruction can accelerate once the revised notification is issued next year."
According to the maintenance industry on the 9th, out of the 14 complexes in Mokdong New Town, Yangcheon-gu, all but three have passed the first safety inspection (detailed safety inspection). Six complexes have completed the second safety inspection (feasibility review) and are pushing forward with reconstruction, while the 9th and 11th complexes failed the second safety inspection. Among the 11 complexes currently undergoing safety inspections, the 8th and 12th complexes have postponed applying for the second safety inspection. The remaining nine complexes are currently undergoing feasibility reviews by the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology and the National Land Safety Management Institute.
Until now, except for the 6th complex, Mokdong New Town had been stuck at the threshold of the second safety inspection, unable to speed up reconstruction. Especially after the 9th and 11th complexes consecutively failed the second safety inspection, other complexes also began to slow down their pace.
However, with the government’s recent substantial easing of safety inspection regulations, expectations are rising in the Mokdong area. In particular, besides changing the weighting of safety inspection items, the increase in the allowable reconstruction score and the effective abolition of the second safety inspection are being viewed positively. A reconstruction promotion preparation committee member from Mokdong New Town said, "This is the long-awaited measure," adding, "It is especially fortunate that the revised system will be applied retroactively to complexes currently undergoing safety inspections."
Currently, each complex is considering how scores will be adjusted if the changed item weightings are applied and whether they fall within the expanded reconstruction eligibility criteria of up to 45 points, as they deliberate on their reconstruction promotion timetables.
On the other hand, there remains tension as it is still unclear how these measures will be applied in practice on the ground. Most apartments in Mokdong New Town received scores in the 50s on the first safety inspection. This means they are ‘conditionally eligible for reconstruction’ and, even with adjustments to item weightings, it is expected to be difficult for their scores to drop below 45 points, which would allow direct reconstruction.
Kim Jong-geon, a member of the reconstruction promotion preparation committee for Mokdong 8th complex, said, "With the easing of the scores used to judge reconstruction, there are many confusing aspects about how this will actually be applied," adding, "We need to wait for guidelines from the government and local authorities on whether the weighting adjustments will be reflected in the existing first safety inspection results, and if the second safety inspection will effectively be omitted even if the complex remains conditionally eligible for reconstruction."
The complexes in Mokdong New Town plan to resume safety inspection procedures as soon as the notification is issued in January next year. The nine complexes currently undergoing the second safety inspection are also delaying document supplementation requests from the district office and adjusting their timing. A representative from the reconstruction promotion preparation committee of Mokdong 7th complex said, "We will supplement the documents and resume procedures as soon as the notification is issued," adding, "We intend to speed up the reconstruction process in consultation with the district office." The 9th and 11th complexes, which previously failed the second safety inspection, are also expected to persuade residents and make a renewed attempt.
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