Revitalization Update February 3, 2009
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009
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Archive for the ‘ From the Desk of Jones Hooks ’ Category
Jekyll Island Revitalization Update September 17, 2008
Wednesday, September 17th, 2008
From the desk of C. Jones Hooks
Executive Director
Jekyll Island - State Park Authority
It is a pleasure for me to share the latest information from the Jekyll Island Authority with you, our vested homeowners and visitors.
JEKYLL ISLAND VISITATION ANALYSIS:
The Jekyll Island Visitation Analysis shared at the Sept. 15 board meeting and produced by an independent research firm, Bleakly and Associates, should be extremely helpful as we continue to lay the ground work for our Island’s future success. The report shows that island visitation peaked in the 1988-1989 time period, when we saw approximately 2.1 million guests visit Jekyll Island. Unfortunately since that time, we have seen a steady decline in visitation. Last year only 1.49 million visitors came to Jekyll Island. In order to accomplish our mission of trustworthy stewardship and generation of revenues, the analysis shows that we will need to increase tourism and visitation. Because Jekyll Island is a self-funded entity, the analysis provides a wake-up call to the importance for the Jekyll Island Authority to increase visitation so that the costs to care for the island are manageable. As you’re aware in the Jekyll Island Club Historic Landmark District alone, we have over $30 million in preservation needs. The good news is that by increasing visitation by only 21% over 1988-1989 levels, the island can finance operations and improve our public facilities. Jekyll Island will then remain an affordable and attractive place for all Georgians to enjoy. Further, the forecasting model supports how visitation can increase with limited, low-density redevelopment of existing sites that affect only 6% of the island. This supports our approach of balance between redevelopment and conservation/preservation activities. It was also interesting that the Bleakly report found revenue increases to the Jekyll Island Authority via public/private partner lease agreements are key to funding the needed infrastructure, as well as improvements to public amenities like golf courses, beach management and more.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER:
- Annual visitation to the island has been declining at a 2.6% annual rate since 2002 and is down roughly 23% since 1988-1989.
- When adjusted for inflation, JIA revenues have declined at a 2.3% annual rate since 2002
- Visitation can increase with limited, low density redevelopment and development.
- Total development needed to support visitation and JIA income projections over the next 15 years represents a net addition of roughly 1000 lodging units, 400 dwelling units, and 25,000 commercial square feet over levels that existed 20 years ago.
- Jekyll Island has approximately 4226 acres and by law, 65% must remain undeveloped.
- Of the remaining 35%, only 256 acres or 6% of the Island is directly impacted. Most of this small area is already development with existing hotels and the convention center.
Bleakly and Associates’ work is comprehensive. A public in-depth presentation will be offered Sept. 29 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend!
JEKYLL ISLAND DESIGN GUIDELINES: Another important policy initiative related to Jekyll Island Revitalization is the Jekyll Island Design Guidelines. While already put into practical use, the Design Guidelines dictate the architectural design, height, scale and density of all new construction. The Design Guidelines were developed with the Jekyll Island Authority by Cooper Carry, a leader in the field of connective architecture. Since the “First Reading”, we have received lots of input and public comments. The Jekyll Island Authority Board will consider adoption of the Design Guidelines at its October 20th meeting.
OTHER NEWS: Construction continues on our first new hotel construction, the Hampton Inn & Suites. With plans progressing and construction underway on this and other properties, we are already seeing an immediate return of conventions interested in bringing their groups back to Jekyll Island! We are pleased to announce that Jekyll Island has been selected as the host for a 2009 meeting of the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, as well as the Georgia Press Association 2009 annual conference. We appreciate your interest in Jekyll Island, and encourage you to stay in touch. I value your continued insight and feedback, please check out our website www.jekyllisland.com for up-to-date information.
Kind Regards,
Jones Hooks
Executive Director, Jekyll Island - State Park Authority
