Kang Gi-jung Expresses Regret Over Ordinance Expanding Residential Floor Area Ratio in Central Commercial Districts

Press Conference... "Side Effects of Excessive Housing Supply and Unsold Units"
City Plans to Request 'Reconsideration' if the Ordinance is Forwarded

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong expressed regret over the "Urban Planning Ordinance Amendment" that includes expanding the floor area ratio for residential use in the central commercial area from 400% to 540% during an emergency briefing at the city hall briefing room on the 12th. Provided by Gwangju City

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong expressed regret on the 12th regarding the 'Urban Planning Ordinance Amendment' passed by the city council.

On this day, Mayor Kang held an emergency press conference in the city hall briefing room and stated, "The city council has passed an amendment to the urban planning ordinance that significantly raises the floor area ratio for residential use in central commercial areas. This is regrettable."

He continued, "The city has consistently and repeatedly expressed concerns and opposition, but the city council passed the amendment. Central commercial areas are regions where commercial activities are vibrant, mainly including Chungjang-ro, Geumnam-ro, and Sangmu District. Raising the residential floor area ratio from 400% to 540% means increasing the supply from 100 households to 130 households in the same space," he pointed out.

He added, "If residential facilities are expanded in commercial areas, it is clear that a lack of essential infrastructure such as schools and roads will make it difficult for elementary students to commute nearby and worsen traffic congestion. The proliferation of 'single apartment buildings' surrounded by entertainment venues such as bars and lodging facilities like motels and hotels will ultimately lead to serious side effects, lowering the quality of life for residents."

He also said, "Even now, the problems of oversupply of apartment housing and the spread of unsold units are serious. Additional housing supply due to the relaxation of the floor area ratio will worsen the unsold housing issue. However, the city council failed to present reasonable and convincing counterarguments to Gwangju City's opposition and unilaterally passed the related ordinance without responding to requests for sufficient deliberation," he criticized.

Mayor Kang emphasized, "As a sign of protest against the passage of the amended ordinance, I did not attend the plenary session today. I will do my best to correct this by utilizing all legal powers and procedures granted to the mayor."

Meanwhile, Gwangju City has announced its plan to request a 'reconsideration' if the 'Urban Planning Ordinance Amendment' passed by the city council is forwarded to the executive branch.