Hanam Mayor Lee Hyunjae: "Camp Colbern Neglected for 18 Years, Restrictions Must Be Lifted and Support Provided"

Mayor Lee Hyunjae Calls for Active Institutional Reform and Support
for Development of Returned U.S. Military Areas
"Special Sacrifices Deserve Special Compensation"
Requests Regulatory Reform and Improved Land Compensation

Lee Hyunjae, mayor of Hanam City, stated on the 25th, "Camp Colbern, which was returned in 2007, has been left neglected for nearly 18 years," adding, "The areas that have sacrificed due to the long-term presence of the US military should no longer be kept under restrictions."

Lee Hyunjae, mayor of Hanam City, argued at the 'National Assembly Forum on Activation Plans for the Development of US Military Returned and Contributed Areas in Gyeonggi Province' held at the National Assembly Library on the 25th, stating, "We should no longer keep areas that have sacrificed due to long-term US military presence under strict regulations." Provided by Hanam City

At the "National Assembly Forum on Activation Plans for the Development of U.S. Military Returned and Contributed Areas in Gyeonggi Province" held at the National Assembly Library on the same day, Mayor Lee said, "The returned and contributed areas are regions that have endured special sacrifices for national security, but overlapping regulations such as development restriction zones and overpopulation control areas are delaying regional development."

This forum was organized by Gyeonggi Province and supported by the cities of Hanam, Uijeongbu, Paju, Dongducheon, and Hwaseong. It was established to discuss institutional improvements and practical measures for the development of returned and contributed areas.

On this day, Mayor Lee emphasized, "The US military contributed areas in Korea are lands of opportunity with unlimited potential. They are special lands that have sacrificed to protect the liberal democracy of the Republic of Korea, and special sacrifices deserve special compensation. The central government and Gyeonggi Province should take a more active role in institutional reforms and financial support."

He continued, "The returned and contributed areas in Hanam face too many restrictions as they are designated as development restriction zones and overpopulation control areas, making prompt and successful development difficult. Regulatory reforms at the level of free economic zones are necessary." He added, "I appreciate Governor Kim Dongyeon's remarks about reducing the ratio of rental housing, and I also request that the reduction of park and green space ratios be positively considered."

Lee Hyunjae, mayor of Hanam (left), is conversing with Kim Dongyeon, governor of Gyeonggi Province, at the "National Assembly Forum on Activation Plans for the Development of U.S. Military Returned and Contributed Areas in Gyeonggi Province" held at the National Assembly Library on the 25th. Provided by Hanam City

Finally, Mayor Lee called for improvements regarding land compensation. He stated, "Since the land prices in the returned and contributed areas have risen significantly compared to the time of return, the burden has increased. The government should either transfer the land free of charge or at least provide compensation at the price at the time of return. This would reduce unnecessary costs and secure profitability, enabling a successful project."

In conclusion, Mayor Lee said, "The development of returned and contributed areas is not simply about land utilization, but a national task for improving citizens' lives and achieving balanced regional development. I ask the central government, Gyeonggi Province, and the National Assembly to join forces so that Hanam can be reborn as a future growth hub."

Meanwhile, Camp Colbern is a returned US military base located at 209-9 Hasangok-dong, Hanam City, covering approximately 250,000 square meters. Hanam City is pursuing the "Camp Colbern Urban Development Project" to transform the site into a convergence complex that integrates advanced industries with residential and cultural functions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.