02/21 - City gives support to Jekyll plan

Date: February 21, 2008
Section(s): Local News
By BRANDEE A. THOMAS
The Brunswick News

The Brunswick City Commission has joined the ranks of Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue in voicing support for Jekyll Island revitalization plans.

At its regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday, the commission voted to approve a resolution stating that "the City of Brunswick fully supports the revitalization of Jekyll Island as envisioned by the Jekyll Island State Park Authority."

"My opinion is that they have a very solid plan," said Mayor Bryan Thompson during the meeting at Historic City Hall, 1229 Newcastle St. "This resolution is our way of saying we support (the Jekyll Island Authority's) efforts toward responsible redevelopment."

Commissioner Cornell Harvey, who is the human resources director for the Jekyll Island Authority, recused himself from the discussion and subsequent vote concerning the resolution.

Commissioners Mark Spaulding, Jonathan Williams and Thompson voted in favor of the resolution, but Commissioner James Brooks voted against it.

"Sen. (Jeff) Chapman has just introduced some legislation in the Senate and personally I don't want to jump the gun on this," Brooks said.

"I would like to have a dialog with our senators and representatives about what's going on in Atlanta first, before we vote on this."

Although Brooks was against the vote, other members spoke in defense of passing the resolution.

"What happens in Atlanta (in the General Assembly) will play out whether or not we pass this resolution," said Spaulding. "But I think it's important we take a stand and support the work that the (Jekyll Island Authority) has done to revitalize Jekyll."

Before the meeting, island resident Steve Newell passed out literature protesting the passing of the resolution.

His wife Bonnie, dressed as "Caretta the loggerhead turtle," carried a sign that read "Don't build on our public beach."

"I just think this plan is unfair to the public and we wish the mayor wouldn't support it," said Steve Newell, a retired doctor from The Marine Institute on Sapelo Island.

In other business Wednesday, the commission:

* Deferred action on adopting a firearms ordinance in the absence of city attorney Lynn Frey.

* Denied a General Commercial rezoning request for 3321 Gordon St.