Below is the language of Rep. Buckner’s amendment to SB 367. The bill is needed to keep the Georgia Coastal Management Act from expiring which would jeopardize millions of dollars in federal grants for environmental programs on the Coast. It is important to read the language and see the specific restrictions in the amendment. If this passes, only “public picnic tables, bathhouses, and restrooms” could be built in this area (see picture). It appears that improvements to bike paths, addition of boardwalks, playground or any beach concession areas would be prohibited. This area is already protected by the Shore Protection Act, authorized for improvement under the 65%/35% law, identified as a priority for redevelopment in the JIA Master Plan and as the picture shows contains a distressed parking area that is intended to primarily serve the Jekyll Island Convention Center.  It is disappointing that this important bill was jeopardized with this amendment.

http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/fulltext/sb367.htm

Tags: jekyll island development, jekyll island revitalization, Rep. Buckner, Senate Bill 367 Amendment
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For reference: David Egan wrote:

http://savannahnow.com/node/468722 - and includes a picture of the parking lot. And the legislation can be found here: http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/sum/sb367.htm

Jekyll resident David Egan is right about one thing in his March 26 letter to the editor entitled “House Should OK bill preserving Jekyll,” the Georgia General Assembly holds the key to the future of Jekyll Island. Either Jekyll Island will continue its downward spiral or investment will be made in infrastructure and accommodations that will bring Georgians back to this precious resource.

Decades ago state leaders had the foresight to pass a law mandating that 65% of this barrier island remain in its natural state and never be developed. Just last year, more restrictions were put in place to limit any redevelopment on the south end of the Island. The public ignored the fact that this additional protection benefitted a Jekyll resident who funds the Jekyll Citizen’s Association lobbying efforts at the Capitol. This year, this same select group of individuals, most of whom live full-time on the Island they like to call a “state park” (no other state park has residences), have decided that even more restrictions should be put in place. They believe that vacationers should not be able to stay in accommodations along the shoreline, which is, of course, where most people would naturally like to stay. This group of individuals has started a campaign to “save” what essentially is a large asphalt parking lot along the beach. What they really want to do is stop the beach village project.

To the dismay of the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the environmental lobby hijacked a bill last week that reauthorizes the Georgia Coastal Management Act, which brings in millions of dollars in federal grants that are critical to protecting vital areas of the coast. An amendment was tacked on that would limit development in the area of this parking lot to nothing but picnic tables and bathrooms. If this misguided amendment were to become law, the Jekyll Island Authority could not even construct the proposed Environmental Discovery Center or Oceanside playground on this property, much less improved bike paths, beach concession areas, improved landscape or even plant trees.

Enough is enough. The vast majority of Georgians wants to see responsible redevelopment of Jekyll Island and do not share the views of the minority who want to close the gate behind them so that they may enjoy their own utopia. The Jekyll Island Authority has no intention of blocking access to the beach, no intention lining the beach with condos and no intention of letting Jekyll fall further into disrepair. This Authority intends to facilitate the most environmentally-friendly development on the eastern seaboard for the 35% of the Island that may be improved. Georgians of all incomes will have a variety of choices in accommodations. The Georgia General Assembly should not allow a small group of residents and some in the environmental lobby to affect policy to the detriment of hundreds of thousands of Georgians who want to see Jekyll Island returned to its heyday.

Ben Porter

Chairman, Jekyll Island Authority

Tags: jekyll island development, jekyll island revitalization, Senate Bill 367 Amendment
Posted in In the News, Just the Facts | 8 Comments »

Wed, Mar 26, 2008

Jekyll IslandYour editorial missed the point again. What Buckner and Chapman are trying to do is to keep Greedy developers from taking beautifully beach front for their condo’s and townhouses. These will be affordable to less than 15% of population. Room rates from $150 to $250 a night is again out of range for most Georgians. Nobody will answer my question: Why do we need condo’s and townhouses developed on State property? I thought that Jekyll was to be for the average Georgian. The average wage for Georgia is less than $60,000 a year. Everyone agrees that the present facilities need updated but not with condo’s and townhouses on the beach, renovate the facilities that are there. It’s too bad that your paper has such a greedy outlook about this project. I would assume that your paper is read by more average Georgians than by people who can afford $500,000 condo’s. Donovan Schoonover Townsend, GA I disagree with the commentary on the “Sneaky tactic…” on so many levels. First, Representative Buckner is only doing what the people of Georgia want - to protect the beach at Jekyll Island from overdevelopment and blocking access to the public. Also, if “no one knows what the final version of the plan will be”, why are we giving Linger Longer - or anyone - carte blanche to proceed as they wish? Jekyll Island will not continue to deteriate without this development. Hotels are already being replaced. Others are planned for renovation or replacement. Once these are completed, there will be plenty of nice, up-to-date rooms available and visitation will increase. Let’s go slow - once the bell has been rung, you cannot un-ring it. Angela Ivey Athens, GA I would like to take exception to the commentary about “Sneaky Tactics”. There is plenty of rejuvenation already in the works on Jekyll Island. The issue has nothing to do with making the State Park better. The great asset is the beach and you think going shopping there on the beach will improve this? I do not blame Linger Longer Communities for wanting to maximize this resource as they were given directions by the Jekyll Island Authority to use that area of the island. That was the bad decision to begin with. The only professional consultants used for this misadventure have been financial consultants telling Linger Longer how many condos and time shares to sell to underwrite the rest of the project. Oh,and by the way, Rep. Buckner is not micro-managing; she is giving thousands of Georgians a voice. I would say that she and Jeff Chapman are heros in all of this. Martin McConaughy Tucker, Georgia Your editorial staff apparently has not reviewed Linger Longer’s winning proposal for revitalizing Jekyll. You say ” it just wouldn’t make sense to deny people access to the one drawing card Jekyll has, which is the beach “. That is precisely what we opponents have been saying. The winning proposal as selected by the JIA calls for removing the existing convention center, moving Beachview Drive further from the beach and constructing condos, hotels and private residences from the present convention center site to Blackbeards restaurant. That effectively denies the general public access to the beach. Lamar Williamson Townsend, GA The problem is we disagree with what it is that will improve Jekyll Island. Maybe the answer is to let the sides take their ideas to the public, a referendum on Jekyll. Actually putting the decision in the hands of the people who, after all, own the place. Democracy, what a novel idea of a way to conduct public business. Janie Hopwood Tifton Georgia You are correct but misguided. The Governor and his hand picked Jekyll Island Authority are about to commit the ultimate sneak attack on the people of Georgia by placing in the hands of his political supporters for development,one of the most treasured portions of land in the State of Georgia. When I visit the beach, I want to see the dunes, sea oats and ocean views not hi rises and shopping centers. If I want to see these , I can visit Hilton Head, Miami or even Panama City. It is true Jekyll could use revitalization of motels etc., but this should be accomplished within the current areas without enlarging our destructive footprints to the remaining unspoiled portions of the island. If the politicians are listening, this is the same message they are being sent from across Georgia and it would be well for the message to be heeded. Larry Pickett Jackson, Ga. I am intrigued with your complete support of the proposed Linger Longer development on Jekyll Island and no mention of other hotel development. Your paper makes it sound like it’s the Linger Longer proposal for revitalization or nothing. What Rep. Buckner is trying to do is save the heart of Jekyll Island, it’s central beach, from “Over Development”. Two hotels have been demolished and need to be rebuilt. The Shopping center needs redevelopment. Perhaps the convention center needs redevelopment. The magnitude of the Linger Longer Development is not needed. Your article said that “…no one knows what the final version of the plan will be.” Rep Buckner is trying to make sure that the final version of the plan will not spoil the integrity of Jekyll Island. Your article said that , “Secondly, why would anyone spend or invest $342 million in a project that would deny people access to the one drawing card that Jekyll Island has, which is the beach?” Rep. Buckner is attempting to make sure that everyone who visits Jekyll Island has access to the beach. Judy Winiecki White Bear Lake, MN Talk about trying to shove something distasteful down the throats of Georgians! Isn’t that exactly what you’ve been trying to do from the moment the island was handed over to Linger Longer? Your endless boosterism on their behalf is incredible. You know damned well that opposition to Linger Longer’s project is based on the the fact that it will overwhelm the beachfront with condos, hotels, and time shares where none have ever been before, on the most accessible beachfront on Jekyll. And opposition is also based on the appearance (or the reality) of political cronyism. Jekyll was handed over to the Reynolds family by politicians & their cronies who most certainly stand to profit from this handout, directly or indirectly. To hell with the wishes of the people of Georgia. But this island is not just a random piece of real estate to be tossed out as a political patronage plum. It is an immensely precious place to millions of Georgians. Why are you so rabidly bent on abetting the destruction of what is unique & beautiful about Jekyll? Why do you want to make it look like every other beachfront from New Jersey to Florida? I have come to Jekyll at least yearly for more than 25 years because it is NOT Virginia Beach, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, St. Simons, Fernandina, etc., etc. etc. If it is ruined by condos & beachfront development, I will never come back and WILL NOT SPEND ANOTHER DIME IN GLYNN COUNTY. EVER. You have some nerve to criticize Debbie Buckner & Jeff Chapman for having the courage to represent the wishes of the people of Georgia. Poll your readership, folks. You will find out exactly how angry you are making your readers pushing Linger Longer down THEIR throats. They are not stupid people. They know lies, greed and cronyism when they see them. They know smoke and mirrors when they see them Joan Lardin Hawkinsville, GA Jekyll Island thoughts, late as they may be: The reasons we enjoy it so much-bike paths winding through sand dunes, scrub oaks & ocean views; the fishing pier; clam cove picnic area; the miles of wild flowers along the road side leading to the island; river and marsh views; the historic refurbished Jekyll Island Club and its many cottages; the boardwalk. Nature and history side by side. The Sydney Lanier Bridge. Things that we could do without-the houses that are already there, they don’t fit either in design nor in philosophy of a State Park; obviously condo’s, town houses or more houses; Improvement’s that would be just that improvements-a central complex with a quality convention center of architectual interest and esthetic appeal, while still being usable. More board walk, extended bike/walking trails done with appearance as well as functional considerations. Fix the pier. It does not bode well that for the last several years a sign says a portion of the pier is unsafe due to unstable concrete underpinnings? The parking lot by the current convention center is unnecessarily large and quite ugly. Get rid of the strip mall, and incorporate shops, stores etc. into the central complex previously mentioned. Start buying up the many small leased homes, a few at a time, and eliminate them, or at least rebuild them with some thought to southern coastal living. Maybe duplexes or yes even town houses for rent, partially subsidized by the state, so that the average family could stay there? The conventioneers do need a place. Remember they need to look a whole lot better than the hodge podge that currently inhabit the island. Invest with thoughts of the long term. I believe the majority of Georgian’s would be willing to pay for such a plan, as well as the many people who visit from afar. Where do we send our $100? We do not need another Holiday Inn, nor do we need a modern day version of the Jekyll Island Club. We do realize that to some degree it has to be financially self sufficient. However, their must be philanthropists out there as well, have they been solicited?Frank & Pat Smith Argyle, NY What seems to be sliding under the news radar is the fact that revitalization of Jekyll Island is already underway. The Days Inn facility was remodeled; the old Holiday Inn and Buccaneer were razed in preparation for new hotel/condo facilities; what was once a seedy Jekyll Estates Inn is now the upmarket Beachview Club and millions have gone into the Jekyll Island Club Hotel and Crane Cottage. Does that mean the revitalization of the island is complete? No way! On the other hand, neither does it mean we need hundreds of new condos/vacation homes and 3 new hotels blocking the only available stretch of beach at high tide. Thousands of Georgians visit this stretch of beach every year. Itís their beach, not Linger Longerís. The residents of Jekyll are not happy with the plans - not because we see property values declining with such a plan. Indeed, the values would probably increase substantially. We are in the minority when it comes to people opposing the plan. Thousands of people across Georgia and in fact, 48 other states have unequivocally stated their opposition to the plan. If you donít want to listen to Jekyll residents, fine ñ listen to six or seven thousand other Georgians. If you want to see the other side of the coin, just visit www.savejekyllisland.org. We can accept that Jekyll must be self-sustaining. Thatís quite different from having it become a ìcash cowî for the state and for greedy developers.Howard Sculthorpe Jekyll Island I suspect the most prudent starting point on Jekyll Island would be to simply rebuild or renovate existing lodgings and maybe modernize the golf course etc. Then if more still seems needed, let’s cross that bridge when we come to it. Let’s keep it a lovely low key place of natural beauty, a wildlife sanctuary and an unpretentious refuge for all Georgians. Modest upgrades like I’ve noted may well be sufficient to satisfactorily support whatever the needed amount of convention business may be and, if some conventioneers want more commercial and upscale accomodations, St. Simons is a very pleasant nearby alternative. I doubt the new development plan is in keeping with what Jekyll has long been, and what I hope it will continue to be. It is a unique and special place that I fear could be changed forever, headed down a slippery slope. I find it hard to believe most Georgians support the existing development plan, based on discussions I’ve had with other residents and visitors. My family, friends and I have been meeting on Jekyll at least once a year for many years running. I am a fiscal conservative and revitalization is not a dirty word for me, but I feel Jekyll should remain Jekyll. We all refer to it as ‘Georgia’s jewel’ for a reason. I welcome the positions of Ed Boshears on the JIA, and Senator Jeff Chapman, and I suggest interested Georgians may like to visit www.savejekyllisland.org.Charles Busfield Marietta, GA Plans for Jekyll is all about money plus GREED. The Linger Longer plan is a set up for the well off people to get their hands on prime waterfront property and Linger to make a pot full of money. This is a State Park not a private development. Less than 20% of Georgians will be able to afford the condo’s and townhouses. This does not strike me as something for the average Georgian who makes less than $50,000 per year. The price they are quoting for the room rates are also above the affordability of the average Georgian. This brings me to the my main question, ‘WHY DO WE NEED CONDO’S AND TOWNHOUSES ON JEKYLL’. I am not against renovation of the existing facilities but NO condo’s and townhouses are needed to get the average Georgian back to Jekyll. I also have a comment about your editorial, ‘Jekyll plan opponents need to learn the facts’. Maybe it would be nice if the paper would report what is really going with the Linger proposal and how the average Georgian feels about this proposal. They are trying to steal millions of dollars of waterfront property to build condo’s for the upper class. This beach front belongs to every Georgians not just the few that can afford $500,000 condo’s It goes back to what I said above, the Linger proposal is about GREED AND MONEY.Donovan Schoonover Townsend, GA The plan to revitalize facilities on Jekyll Island did appear to swell into something larger than life. Why the argument? Why doesn’t the “opposition” just be patient and wait for the final proposal? Why can’t “everybody just get along”? The Jekyll Island Authority has been discussing various ideas for upgrading Jekyll Island State Park’s amenities for years, resulting in several Master Plans for the revitalization of it’s aging facilities. They have held many open forums with residents, business owners, anyone who had an interest in the future of Jekyll Island State Park. They asked for our opinions on what Jekyll should become. Surveys were filled out, thousands of opinions were stated, and the results were tabulated. The people who had an interest in JISP had spoken. We were told, that the results of these surveys would be considered, and used to help arrive at a revitalization plan. Building large hotels on the beach; interrupting Loggerhead sea turtles’ nesting areas; developing natural areas that were not in the allowable 35% portion of the island; blocking the view of the ocean by eliminating Beachview Drive; removing the parking used by day-trippers, school and church groups (many who have never seen the ocean), were never on the list to be considered for Jekyll Island’s future revitalization plans. There has never been a step in this current LLC proposal process that has raised a glimmer of confidence that the current JIA Board will consider the wishes of the people, regardless of their words to the contrary. Ignoring the Shore Protection Act and planning hotels on the beach, as well as carving out several acres of legally protected, unavailable land for development, makes me believe that there was little guidance given LLC in their invitation to bid this project. There is good reason to believe that the final proposal will be just that. If we, who are opposed to any parts of this current proposal, don’t voice our concerns now, before the final proposal, there will be no incentive for the Jekyll Island Authority Board and LLC to change anything. Jim Gertis We are from Switzerland and spent last november our holidays on Jeckyll Island where our cousin lives. We had a wonderful time and specially enjoyed the nature of the island. We already than heard that there is a big project ongoing. Investors want to build big hotel infrastructure at the beachfront. We remember great bicycle rides along that cost and think that it would be a big mistake to build in that place. The unique nature, on land and in water, Jeckyll Island has should be protected and not destroyed. Tourists come because of the nature and once there is no nature left, tourists will not come anymore. Monika & Roberto Mirasola

Click here to link to the Brunswick News Article

Tags: jekyll island, jekyll island development, jekyll island facts, jekyll island revitalization
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JEKYLL ISLAND, GA. – March 17, 2008 – The Jekyll Island State Park Authority, the state entity charged with conserving Jekyll Island, has taken steps to protect Jekyll Island’s unique beaches. At the Jekyll Island Authority’s request, the Department of Natural Resources has certified the shore jurisdiction line under the Georgia Shore Protection Act along Jekyll Island’s beachfront. As defined by the Act, land changes or disturbances may be limited on the seaward side of the jurisdiction line.

(Click on the images to see
them larger)

“We take our charge to protect the unique and unspoiled beaches of Jekyll Island very seriously,” said Ben Porter, Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority. “We are taking these steps to ensure that the people of Georgia can enjoy Jekyll Island’s beaches for generations to come.”

The Georgia Shore Protection Act gives the Department of Natural Resources jurisdictional oversight of the state’s shorelines, sand dunes and adjacent lands. Part of that responsibility may include setting restrictions to development along Georgia’s beaches.

The DNR’s action for the Jekyll Island Authority, formally approved March 13, creates such restrictions on Jekyll Island. Development or any land disturbance in the newly certified jurisdictional area will now require a special permit from DNR.

“DNR has verified the delineation in the area that contains our current Convention Center and shopping center, and is designated for redevelopment as a new beach village,” said Eric Garvey, senior director of the Jekyll Island Authority. “The jurisdiction line is to ensure that all work in this area is in compliance with the state Shore Protection Act.”

Garvey added, “While improvements are often permitted within the jurisdictional area, we won’t know exactly what DNR permits will be needed until changes to the beach village plan are presented.”

Revitalization on Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Authority, along with its revitalization partner Linger Longer Communities, is working on plans for a new beach village that will bring together a variety lodging together with restaurants, shops, parks and improved beach access, as well as a new Convention Center and Convention Center Hotel.

The General Assembly created the Jekyll Island State Park Authority in 1950 to manage Jekyll Island, a state-owned coastal treasure to be enjoyed by all Georgians. Each day the Authority’s staff works to conserve the island’s natural resources through revenues generated by providing services, programs and amenities that maximize benefits to everyone on the island.

But to accomplish its mission, the Authority must attract visitors to Jekyll Island each year — and generate enough revenue to keep state taxpayers from paying the substantial cost of managing the island.

Faced in recent years with lagging attendance and declining revenue, the Authority recently launched an effort to revitalize its aging hotels, shops and Convention Center. Because the majority of these structures were built in the 1960s, it was clear that the change was going to involve redevelopment.

In September, the Jekyll Island Authority selected a high-quality private developer, Linger Longer Communities, as its revitalization partner.

Gov. Sonny Perdue, members of the General Assembly’s Jekyll Island Legislative Oversight Committee, the Glynn County Commission, Brunswick City Council, Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia are supporting the Authority’s efforts at revitalization.

In its proposal last year, Linger Longer presented a Beach Village concept that would create a wonderful new destination on Jekyll Island. That concept plan, which is currently being reworked based on public comment and other input, will also be in compliance with the Shore Protection Act. The revised concept will be completed this spring and will again welcome an additional round of public comment and review.

The Jekyll Island State Park Authority prides itself on its service to the public and will post supporting material to its web site www.jekyllislandfacts.com.

About Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is a barrier island on Georgia’s coast – midway between Jacksonville, Fla.; and Savannah, Ga. Accessible by car just minutes from I-95, Jekyll Island offers a variety of amenities, including 10 miles of beach, four golf courses, a 250-acre Historic Landmark District, water park, tennis center, an array of lodging options including hotels, cottages and campgrounds. Owned by the State of Georgia, and managed by the Jekyll Island State Park Authority, Jekyll Island has had development limited to just 35 percent of its available land area. This unique aspect of Jekyll Island serves to preserve the critical barrier island ecosystem, as well as provides guests with a unique escape from the crowds and complications of other beach resort destinations. Please visit www.jekyllisland.com for more information or call 1-877-4JEKYLL.

CONTACT: Eric Garvey, Jekyll Island State Park Authority, (912) 635-4081 or EGarvey@jekyllisland.com.

# # #

Linger Longer’s Statement On the Jurisdictional Line

Tags: DNR Shore Protection Line, jekyll island development, jekyll island revitalization, just the fact about jekyll island
Posted in In the News, Just the Facts | 2 Comments »

1. How much of the Island can be developed and how much already is?
   By Georgia Law, only 35% of the land mass of Jekyll Island above mean high tide may be developed. As delineated in the 1996 Island Master Plan, officially the JIA has the ability to develop an additional 104 acres before this threshold is met.

   

2. Is Jekyll Island a State Park, a resort, or a community?
   The best answer is probably “All 3”. Jekyll Island was purchased by the State in 1947 to establish a State Park with beach access to insure that there would always be publicly accessible beach in Georgia. The State purchased Jekyll Island from the Jekyll Island Club for $675,000 after exercising its right of eminent domain to force the sale. At the time, the decision was politically controversial. After 2 years of operating within the State Parks system, The Jekyll Island State Park Authority was created to manage the island and guide its development as a resort destination. It does not operate as a part of the State Parks system, nor is any of its operational funding provided by the State Parks System or the Georgia General Assembly, as the Jekyll Island Authority is mandated to be a self sufficient agency.

   

3. Why did the State of Georgia purchase Jekyll Island?
   In 1946, the State formed a Beach Park Commission to study the feasibility of acquiring one of Georgia’s barrier islands to serve as beach oriented state park. Headed by Revenue Commissioner M.E. Thompson, the study recommended the purchase of Jekyll Island as the only viable opportunity due the fact that the Jekyll Island Club had failed to re-open after WWII and that the island might be available. Upon his election as Governor in 1947, Thompson initiated the purchase of Jekyll.

   

4. How are tax dollars from the State of Georgia Spent on Jekyll?
   The Jekyll Island Authority receives no tax dollars from the State of Georgia in support of its operations, and is by state statute required to be self-sufficient. Occasionally, the JIA does receive project specific funds from the State in the form of General Obligation Bonds or Revenue Bonds.

   

5. Why was the Jekyll Island Authority created?
   After purchase by the State of Georgia in 1947, Jekyll operated for 3 years as a part of the State Parks Department. After the initiation of the construction of a causeway to the island, it was quickly realized that Jekyll could become a defining destination for tourism in the state. In order to be prepared for modern amenities, and speed the process of truly making the island available for all, the State moved to create the Jekyll Island State Park Authority. The purpose of the JIA was to be a bridge between State Government and the Private Sector, and create partnerships to establish a self-sufficient resort community within a natural or “state park” setting. The State and the JIA recognized early on that the management of Jekyll Island was a unique partnership between State Government and the Private Sector. In order for this to succeed, the JIA would take on the roll typically played by local governments and provide the municipal infrastructure required in the resort community, and that regular state funding support would be needed for a number of years until initial “build out” was completed. After that point, it was believed that the island would be self-sufficient and could begin paying the state back for its investment.

   

6. Is Jekyll Island Self Sufficient?
   Operationally, the Jekyll Island Authority is self sufficient. Net profit from operations ranges annually from $500K to $1.5m. The JIA does struggle with the large capital investments needed to maintain the infrastructure, amenities, and historic resources under its care. Over the past ten years major improvements in these areas have only become possible due to partnerships with the private sector, support of non-profits and granting agencies, the addition of Jekyll Island projects to the Glynn County SPLOST program, and appropriations from the Georgia Legislature that required no additional debt service.

   

7. Why not just “spruce up” the hotels and Convention Center?
   Our past history, and our current market surveys, tell us that this approach will not result in an outcome that will secure the economic sustainability of the Island. The “spruce” up approach has been recommended and attempted over the past 30 years, with short-term results that have not resulted in economic stability and growth. There were major efforts to rehabilitate a number of hotels and the convention center in 1979, the mid 1980s, and from 1997-1999. While these efforts resulted in short-term gains in visitation and revenue, it has only sustained the island operationally and has not allowed for capital investment in amenities and infrastructure.

Tags: jekyll island development, jekyll island revitalization, just the fact about jekyll island
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Guest Blogger: Ken Bleakly:

After reading the articles on the visitation numbers dispute, I was thinking that the data that Bill Tipton generates on visitation to the Golden Isles and Jekyll’s share of the visitation since 1999 should clearly show that the island has been stagnant while the region is growing.  Also, if the island is “only “ down 15% in the last ten years how much has visitation in the state been growing during the same period, Jekyll has clearly been loosing out on capturing the growth which has been occurring in the state.  Also, during the last twenty years the state’s population has grown by more than 3 million residents, and Jekyll’s visitation is, at best, flat or slowly declining—these differences are dramatic. 

Ken Bleakly

Tags: jekyll island development, jekyll island revitalization, Jekyll Island visitation
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For generations, Atlantans have been vacationing at Sea Island, enjoying the golfing, spa facilities, dining and other attractions of the Georgia coast resort. At the November 26 meeting of the Rotary Club of Atlanta, BILL JONES III, chairman and CEO of Sea Island Co., discussed “the modern era” at Sea Island.That began, he said, with the development of Ocean Forest Golf Course in the early 1990s on the northern tip of Sea Island. “Because it was such a special piece of property, we decided that we should build the finest golf course we could build, the finest club house that we could build, with the finest club experience that we could put together. By all accounts, we were able to do that.” Membership was full six months before opening. It hosted a prestigious United States Golf Association event in 2006, the Walker Cup matches.

After the opening of Ocean Forest, all other golf on Sea Island paled in comparison. The Sea Island Co. recognized this, and recognized that competition was becoming keen in the resort business. The mid-1980s saw the advent of the Ritz Carlton Co., Four Seasons and boutique hotels, “all of a sudden we found ourselves where there was a fine hotel on every nice beach in the world,” Jones recalled. So the company created a new vision to be the finest resort in the world. Aspiring to that vision has helped Sea Island become what it is today.

Everything today at the Sea Island resort is either brand new or completely refurbished. “I’m really looking forward to getting back to the hospitality business and the resort real estate business, because I feel like I’ve been in the construction business for years,” Jones said.

Jones described the founding of the resort in October 1928 with the construction of The Cloister hotel by Jones‚ grandfather and his cousin. It is now recognized as one of the top resorts in the United States. Jones’ grandfather and cousin had grand plans despite the fact that, one state report described the area as “swampy, mosquito-ridden and of little economic value.” They first built a temporary inn. They had one good year before the Depression struck. But the hotel and resort grew and prospered. The company also began to focus on its real estate business, beginning to develop residential communities such as Frederica. Located on the north end of St. Simons Island, the 3,000-acre community limited to 400-500 singlefamily homes. About a third of the home inventory has been sold, Jones said.

“I’m really pleased with where we are both with our real estate business and our resort business,” Jones said. Where does the company go from here? There are a lot of opportunities for the two brands, The Cloister and Sea Island. Strategic planning is underway. Jones recognized a guest in attendance, Jimmy Blanchard of Synovus Financial Corp., which is Sea Island Co.’s lead banker.

“I’m bullish on our business, I’m excited about what’s going on down on the coast,” Jones said. During Q&A, Jones was complimented on the Sea Island Co.’s stewardship of natural resources. “We feel we have a keen responsibility,” Jones said. Jones was asked about the ongoing efforts to redevelop nearby Jekyll Island. “Certainly what goes on at Jekyll impacts the entire coast and the state of Georgia,” he said. Linger Longer Communities, led by Chairman Mercer Reynolds, in September was selected by the board of the Jekyll Island Authority to partner on a long-term revitalization of the island. “I’m really pleased to see the state take the initiative they’re taking. Jekyll needs redevelopment. I’m a big fan of Linger Longer and Mercer Reynolds and his people. I think they do a terrific job and that it is a well thought-out plan.”

Controversy over the redevelopment plan has arisen lately. But Jones noted that 65 percent of Jekyll Island is preserved for perpetuity. “The legislature told the Jekyll Island Authority ‘you’re on your own, you’ve got to figure out Jekyll. We’re not putting any money in Jekyll.’ The Authority came back with a plan, then the legislature stood up and hollered ‘you’re going to destroy Jekyll.’ Well, either the legislature needs to fund Jekyll or let redevelopment occur. I think redevelopment is the right way to go.”

From the Rotary Newsletter 11-26-07

Tags: Bill Jones Sea Island Company, jekyll island, jekyll island development, jekyll island revitalization
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By Dick Yarbrough

3/11/08) Depending on who you talk to, Jekyll Island is about to be taken over by greedy real estate developers and turned into a fancy vacation resort with prices out of reach to ordinary Georgians, or it is a seedy, financially-strapped rundown shell of its former self.

There is no question that Jekyll Island needs a facelift. Major convention groups, including the prestigious Georgia Press Association and the Georgia Association of Broadcasters among others, left Jekyll Island a number of years ago because of poor accommodations and inadequate meeting facilities. They are not coming back until things improve.

To that point, the Jekyll Island Authority solicited bids for revitalizing the island — much to the consternation of some of the locals — and in September awarded the business to Linger Longer Communities, which lists among its developments Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee, in Greensboro. As mandated by state law, only 35 percent of the island is available for development.

Jim Langford is project director for the $350 million Jekyll project and even his opponents concede that he is not your typical developer type. Langford headed the Georgia Trust for Public Land before signing on with Linger Longer. “Some people even called me a tree-hugger,” he jokes. But he turns serious on Jekyll’s 63-acre proposed development. “We are trying to do something good for the people of Georgia,” he says.

Langford says the redevelopment plan covers less than 1 percent of Jekyll’s total acreage and less than 8 percent of Jekyll’s nine miles of beaches includes a new convention center, new hotels and rental cottages and will be a model for environmental design and construction. The developer says the plan gives visitors and Georgia families a wide range of affordable accommodation choices. Opponents say Linger Longer is being overly creative in their use of numbers and are working overtime to kill the project, but with little success. State Sen. Jeff Chapman (R-Brunswick) had three bills opposing Linger Longer’s plans recently rejected in committee hearings in the Legislature.

Langford has had a number of meetings with citizens to get their input and concedes that some changes could be in the works before a revised plan is presented to the JIA in late March. The Linger Longer proposal anticipates hotels up and running in just three years and the new convention center operational in 2013.

“No way that is going to happen,” declares Ed Boshears, a former state legislator and a member of the Jekyll Island Authority. Boshears is one of the vocal opponents of the project. He says that in order to begin the project, the developer must first get a permit under the Shore Protection Act, a complicated piece of legislation that requires approval of any construction taking place near the beaches. The permit process starts with a review of the permit by a citizen review committee, then a vote within the State Department of Natural Resources, and if either side loses, the appeal process goes to an administrative law judge and can be appealed to the Superior Court, Court of Appeals and all the way to the Georgia Supreme Court. Boshears cites a small marina in Camden County that has spent the last three years in the appeal process. A project as complex as the Linger Longer development could be tied up in the courts for years, he predicts.

To try and kill the development is, in my opinion, a futile and misguided effort. Opponents would be better served to work with Linger Longer Communities and affect changes that both sides can live with. Jekyll Island badly needs revitalizing. Stopping the redevelopment of the island is not the answer.

What would be most helpful would be for sides to remember that Jekyll Island belongs not to the locals or to developers or to the Jekyll Island Authority. It belongs to all of us. It is a self-sustaining facility and an extraordinary and under-appreciated resource in Georgia.

No matter where you live in the state, you need to be tuned into what is happening on Jekyll Island. Somewhere between run-down motels and a $350 million development sits the future of one of Georgia’s crown jewels.

Tags: Dick Yarborough, Jekyll Island Authority Chairman Ben Portere, jekyll island development, jekyll island revitalization
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Jekyll Island State Park Authority marketing Annual Report 2007

Jekyll Island State Park Authority marketing Annual Report 2006

Jekyll Island State Park Authority marketing Annual Report 2005

Jekyll Island State Park Authority marketing Annual Report 2004

Jekyll Island State Park Authority FY07 year-end Balance Sheet

Jekyll Island State Park Authority FY06 year-end Balance Sheet

Jekyll Island State Park Authority FY05 year-end Balance Sheet

Jekyll Island State Park Authority FY04 year-end Balance Sheet

Jekyll Island State Park Authority Department of Audits Management Report FY07

Jekyll Island State Park Authority Department of Audits Management Report FY06

Jekyll Island State Park Authority Department of Audits Management Report FY05

Jekyll Island State Park Authority Department of Audits Management Report FY04

Tags: jekyll island, jekyll island development, jekyll island facts, jekyll island revitalization
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Strong fiscal management, open government, and reinvestment in Jekyll island are 3 areas of accomplishment that I am most proud of during the last 10 years. To suggest anything else is not only untrue but an insult to me and the hard working team of professionals at the Jekyll Island Authority.

Bill Donohue
Executive Director, LLIDA
1707B Enterprise Drive
Buford, GA 30518
770-932-6608
bdonohue@llida.ga.gov

Tags: jekyll island, jekyll island development, jekyll island facts, jekyll island revitalization
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