Gwangju City Council to Hold Multifaceted Discussions on the Revised Ordinance for 'Request for Reconsideration'

Statement: "Residents of Commercial Areas Support Council's Decision"
City and Council to Hold TV Debate for Public Discussion on July 11

A view of Gwangju City Council.

Gwangju City Council stated on the 26th regarding the city government's request for reconsideration of the 'Urban Planning Ordinance Amendment,' "We interpret this as a request for additional review and discussion by the council," and added, "We hope that, until the ordinance is resolved in accordance with legal procedures and deadlines, there will be multifaceted discussions involving not only the executive branch but also experts and citizens."

On this day, the city council released a statement under the chairperson's name, saying, "On the 24th, Gwangju City raised an objection and requested reconsideration of the amendment ordinance related to 'increasing the floor area ratio,' in accordance with the Local Autonomy Act and other relevant laws," and emphasized, "The city council's fundamental position is that important matters related to regional development and the promotion of citizens' welfare should always be reviewed from various angles and discussed continuously."

The council continued, "When requesting reconsideration, the city presented five reasons, including the lack of key infrastructure such as schools and roads in the central commercial area," and explained, "These reasons have already been thoroughly reviewed and discussed over a long period during the standing committee's deliberations and expert forums. The city council took all these points into comprehensive and in-depth consideration before passing the ordinance amendment."

The city council also stated, "After the ordinance was passed, residents of central commercial areas such as Chungjang-ro publicly expressed their support and agreement with the council's decision to revitalize the downtown commercial district and local economy," and added, "We request that the executive branch also participate sincerely in the reconsideration agenda."

Meanwhile, on the 12th, the city council passed an ordinance amendment that eases the floor area ratio regulation for residential facilities in central commercial areas from 400% or less to 540% or less. In response, the city requested reconsideration, citing concerns about deteriorating residential conditions, traffic congestion, and worsening unsold apartment inventories.

Gwangju City and the city council plan to hold a live TV debate on July 11 to facilitate public discussion on the matter.