Lawmaker raises concerns over changed evaluation criteria during site selection process
Urges measures to prevent hollowing out of old city center after relocation
Proposes public institution use for Goeun-ri purchased land
Lee Gyo-seon, a lawmaker of the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Provincial Council representing Chuncheon District 2 and a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged a re-examination of the provincial office relocation plan Tuesday at the third plenary session of the 349th extraordinary assembly.
Lee raised questions about the validity of changes made to the evaluation criteria during the site selection process for the new provincial office building, calling for an objective re-examination of its economic feasibility and safety.
Lee also proposed measures to prevent the hollowing out of the old city center following the relocation, and suggested ways to use the land purchased in Goeun-ri as a public institution site.
He further urged the provincial government to develop effective measures on key policy issues, including elevating Chuncheon's Lake Local Garden to national garden status and revitalizing community self-governance councils.
"The relocation of the provincial office is a century-defining undertaking that will shape Gangwon's future," Lee said. "What is needed now is not speed, but clear grounds and trust that residents can accept." He added that he would continue his legislative work grounded in principle and trust, representing the voices of Chuncheon residents and the people of Gangwon Province.
Lee called on the provincial government to closely review the requirements for national garden designation from the earliest stages of developing the Chuncheon Lake Local Garden, and to establish a mid- to long-term strategy linking the garden city development project to efforts that channel tourist spending into revitalizing local commercial districts.
He also called for an inspection of the ordinance, staffing and budget preparations across the province's 18 cities and counties in connection with the institutionalization of community self-governance councils, and urged the provincial government to draw up a support plan to expand meaningful resident participation.
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