01/15 - Jekyll says judge clears plan

Date January 15, 2008
Section(s) Local News
The Brunswick News

The company challenging the bid awarded by the Jekyll Island Authority to Linger Longer Communities lost its legal battle Monday in Atlanta.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter denied the injunction sought by the Jekyll Island Revitalization Group. The company filed suit in November, claiming the authority unfairly awarded the private partnership role to the Linger Longer Communities of Greensboro, N.C.

Jekyll Island Revitalization Group's bid ranked third.

Baxter disagreed, ruling that Jekyll Island Revitalization Group had no standing to sue, said Eric Garvey, senior marketing director for the Jekyll Island Authority.

Bob Krueger, chair of the Private Partner Selection Committee for the authority, said the ruling vindicates the process used.

"We are very confident and comfortable as a result with having unanimously selected Linger Longer Communities as our private-sector partner for the revitalization ahead," Krueger said.

That means Linger Longer Community can proceed with a final design of its proposed multi-million dollar revitalization of the state park's commercial district. The plan includes new hotels, convention center and shopping area, as well as condominiums.

"We are pleased that Judge Baxter agreed with the Jekyll Island Authority and our private-sector partner, Linger Longer Communities, and the process of improving and enhancing Georgia's Jewel will continue to move forward," said Ben Porter, chair of the Jekyll Island State Park Authorit