1. The dune system is protected under Georgia law, and these protections are embraced by the Jekyll Island Authority and our partners. None of our plans call for construction that will harm the dune system.

2. Much of the conservation components of the beach village concept plan work towards restoring dune areas and wetlands that were disturbed when the original roads and parking lots were built in the 1950’s.

3. The Jekyll Island Authority has design guidelines that dictate architectural style which are in keeping with the eclectic mix of architecture found in the Jekyll Island Historic District. Much of this is classic cottage style with shingle roofs and clapboard siding. There is a mix of Italian Rennaissance and Queen Anne influences, and even a mix of tabby stucco, which overall gives it a characteristic that is unique to Jekyll. All new construction must comply with our Design Guidelines.

4. The Jekyll Island Authority must generate revenue to care for the island, including the 250-acre Historic District and the dozens of historic structures. Even though these are public assets, the trend in state government is to rely on private or philanthropic sources for funding. Jekyll Island receives no regular funding from the state budget.

5. In order to attract private capital and investment, reasonable profits must be made possible. In today’s world, projects compete with the stock market for Return on Investment. So, yes, profit is an important element of getting private investment to the island. Private investment is needed to redevelop the aging shopping center, hotels and any other commercial structures. In a free and open market, it is profitable companies that typically provide higher quality service. On Jekyll, we have had hotels that went bankrupt and we suffered the negative impact of poor service and lack of re-investment.

6. The island does belong to the people of Brunswick, the legislators in Atlanta (and from across the state), the residents of the island. You are right, it belongs to ALL citizens of Georgia.

7. Since the Jekyll Island Authority is an entity of state government, citizens can make their desires known to their elected representatives, including the Governor. As with most issues, the General Assembly serves to carry out the wishes of the citizens. Not much would get done if every decision was put to a statewide referendum. The Governor and the Legislative leadership including the Jekyll Oversight Committee have expressed support for what we are doing. If it were practical, I would be happy to present our final plans to all the people of Georgia. We are very comfortable that we are doing what meets the desires of the majority of Georgia citizens. We understand however that we will not make everyone happy.

The Jekyll Island Authority has been entrusted to be responsible stewards of the island and will continue to honorably fulfill this role. We realize not everyone will agree with our apporach, but we are very comfortable that we are on the right track to doing what is best for the 9.5 million citizens of this great State.

Being very familiar with this area, it is hard for us to believe that the issue is about the view. The current view at this site is not attractive, the foreground is asphalt pavement which runs into the tops of sand dunes. It is an open vista, but you can barely see the horizon and can not see the beach at all. The views a little to the north and to the south are much better and I think that may be what you are thinking of.

We expect the plans for a beach village in this area will enhance the view and public use of this area tremendously. We think about trees that can be added to provide shaded parking and shaded sitting areas. We like to use planned landscaping to frame natural views. This area was flattened to create the parking lot. By removing it and incorporating swales that mimic a secondary dune system, we can create small water features and slightly elevation changes to improve the beach view. And why wouldn’t we want to do this? It would make no sense for us to ruin the shoreline. We want to revitalize Jekyll Island so that people want to come. And we want to preserve the “magic” that makes people want to return.

Over the last several years, the Jekyll Island Authority, and lately representatives from Linger Longer, have engaged in frequent civic club presentations across the state to share the vision and plans for revitalization. I have personally presented this information and in fact provided another update for the Brunswick Rotary Club yesterday. It is rare that anyone expresses a negative response to the plans, and most often folks are relieved once they understand what we are trying to do. Those with a negative bias are often frustrated by the amount of misinformation being distributed by opponents of revitalization.

But most importantly, Georgians have indicated their opinion by choosing to spend their vacations at other beach destinations. One may argue about the degree, but clearly visitation to Jekyll Island has been declining for a long time and it can not be allowed to continue.