Thursday, August 2, 2007

08/02 - Opinion: READERS WRITE: Responses to "Let Jekyll stay incentive-free, affordable," @issue, July 27

By Mike Powers, Brenda K. Layne, Von Diaz, Deirdra Schmandt Alexander
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/02/07
Jekyll Island: Responses to "Let Jekyll stay incentive-free, affordable," @issue, July 27

All deserve to enjoy jewel

It is a pleasant surprise to hear Edward Boshears speak openly about the behind-the-scenes wheeling and dealing orchestrated by the rest of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority. How can the JIA justify a $10 million tax break for the developer while they claim the authority lacks funds to maintain or improve existing features on the island?

Georgia's citizens need to wake up and realize plans are under way to destroy the limited remaining natural beauty of Jekyll Island in order to build another playground for the select few wealthiest of citizens. Every Georgia citizen needs to demand that the JIA live up to its charter and make plans for Jekyll Island that are affordable for the majority of our citizens.

The island belongs to all of us, not just the select few developers and politicians greedily drooling over each parcel of land. I am all for upgrading and maintaining existing properties to attract visitors. Just make sure the affordability index covers those families earning $30,000 to $50,000, not just the $100,000 and up families.

MIKE POWERS, Hiram

Preserve its beauty

Thank heavens for Jekyll Island State Park Authority Board member Edward Boshears, who expresses the feeling of the vast majority of Georgians. Modern hotels are no substitute for nature's beauty. The coastline already has a plethora of costly hotels. Let's not destroy one of the last unspoiled islands in our state.

BRENDA K. LAYNE, Gainesville

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