Hong Nam-pyo, the mayor of Changwon, expressed regret, stating, "That is absolutely not true," in response to the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority's recent claim that Changwon City changed its stance during negotiations after the authority designated Gyeongnam Development Corporation as the sole developer for the Ungdong 1 District development project in Jinhae-gu, Changwon.
At a press conference on the 19th regarding current issues, Mayor Hong said, "If the status of project developer for the Ungdong project is canceled, the damage to citizens will be significant. Not addressing this at all would be a breach of duty," and explained, "We are exploring all possible avenues to minimize the city's losses and are negotiating until the end to prevent further disputes, not suddenly changing our position."
Hong Nampyo, mayor of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam, is answering questions related to the Woongdong 1 District development project at a press briefing on current issues. Photo by Lee Seryung
He emphasized, "The core issue is the loss of expected benefits if Changwon City loses its status as project developer."
He added, "If Changwon City loses its status as project developer, a sale order will be issued for the land owned by the city within the project site. There is a world of difference between the land being part of Changwon City's public assets and simply being land located within the city."
Mayor Hong stated, "Agreement has not yet been reached at the final stage of clarifying ownership of 26% of the city's land."
When asked by reporters, "If the developer status is revoked but the city's land ownership within the site is guaranteed and there is a clear stipulation that the land will not be forcibly sold, would you withdraw the ongoing lawsuit regarding the cancellation of the developer designation?" he replied, "Yes."
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