Plan to Build 1,600-Unit Mixed-Use Complex in Core Commercial Area Where Apartments Are Prohibited
Criticism Mounts: "Urban Development Principles and Fairness Are Undermined"
It has been confirmed that Daejeon City is considering revising the district unit plan to allow the construction of apartment complexes in the '2-9 District,' the core commercial area of the second phase of Doan urban development, which has sparked controversy over preferential treatment for private developers.
The 2-9 District is located in Yonggye-dong, Yuseong-gu, and is currently designated as a core commercial area under the existing district unit plan, where the construction of apartment complexes is prohibited.
However, controversy has arisen recently after a private developer currently developing the site requested Daejeon City to allow the construction of a high-rise mixed-use residential complex with approximately 1,600 units instead of the originally planned officetels.
The developer argues that a mixed-use residential complex is necessary to secure both the symbolic status and business viability of the commercial area.
The core commercial area of the second phase of Doan is intended to serve as the central function of the entire Doan New Town, with a focus on commercial and business uses.
If a large-scale residential facility is built in this area, it is expected to undermine the foundation of the urban plan and cause subsequent issues such as infrastructure overload, traffic congestion, and overcrowding in schools.
An official from Daejeon City pointed out, "It is extremely rare to allow apartment complexes only on specific parcels during the formulation of an urban development plan," and added, "Such a precedent could harm fairness and public interest, as well as negatively impact the development of other districts."
Another developer currently selling officetels on an adjacent site is also strongly opposing the plan.
An official from this company criticized, "If only the 2-9 District is granted a land use change, it is a clear case of preferential treatment," and added, "If apartment construction is permitted on a specific block without prior consultation, the fairness and credibility of urban development will inevitably be undermined."
Civil society organizations have pointed out that the construction of a large-scale apartment complex would weaken the function of the core commercial area and constitute reverse discrimination against existing commercial land investors.
A representative from a civic group stated, "This is a typical profit-driven development aimed at maximizing the developer's gains, and the administration, which should prioritize public value, is instead encouraging it," and added, "Daejeon City should make decisions from the citizens' perspective, and if necessary, we will request an audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection or pursue legal action."
In response, Daejeon City stated, "The request for a change in the urban plan is currently under review in accordance with relevant procedures, and we plan to make a careful decision after consulting with relevant departments and agencies."
Meanwhile, the second phase of the Doan urban development project is underway with the goal of accommodating approximately 17,000 households (about 43,000 people) on a 3 million square meter site covering Bokyong-dong, Yonggye-dong, and Hakhadong in Yuseong-gu, as well as Gwanjeodong and Doandong in Seo-gu. The project consists of a total of 11 districts, from 2-1 District to 2-11 District.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
