02/20 - Commission may OK Jekyll resolution

Date: February 20, 2008
Section(s): Local News
By BRANDEE A. THOMAS
The Brunswick News

Brunswick Mayor Bryan Thompson feels it should come as no surprise to anyone that the city would favor improvements recommended for Jekyll Island.

"We have always been supportive of the redevelopment of Jekyll Island," Thompson said.

Today, though, the City Commission will make it official if a resolution proposed by Thompson is approved by the majority of the four other commissioners when they meet at 6:30 p.m. at Old City Hall on Newcastle St.

Thompson feels that strongly about the $341 million project proposed by the Jekyll Island Authority and its private partner, Linger Longer Communities.

"Many of us on the commission see this as an opportunity to go on record as saying that we are supportive of the plan that the Jekyll Island Authority has been working on for a number of years," Thompson said.

"We are very impressed with the way they have involved the public with meetings and in listening to their concerns."

If the resolution is approved, the city commission will join the ranks of Gov. Sonny Perdue and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle in vocalizing support for the redevelopment of Jekyll Island.

As proposed by Linger Longer Communities, the plan will include new hotels and condominiums. It will also include a new convention center and shopping district.

But not everyone is in favor of what has been proposed. The plans have faced opposition from residents of Jekyll Island and state officials, including Sen. Jeff Chapman, R-Brunswick.

"Since Jekyll Island is a state park, we all have the option of weighing in on whether or not the redevelopment plan is a good idea or not a good idea," Thompson said.

"But the commission seems to feel like this is a good opportunity for Jekyll (Island) and the surrounding areas and the state as a whole."

The Glynn County Commission will be asked to adopt a similar resolution during its 6 p.m. meeting Thursday. That action would follow the announcement by Commission Chair Don Hogan in January during a meeting of the Jekyll Island Legislative Oversight Committee in Atlanta that the county commission supports the project.