Date: March 29, 2008
Section(s): Local News
By ANNA FERGUSON
The Brunswick News
A backdoor legislative attempt to keep hotels and condos away from the main beach on Jekyll Island has failed.
While that is good news for backers of a $342 million revitalization plan for the state park, it is bad news for government agencies counting on approval of the Coastal Zone Management Act to which the construction ban was attached.
Stopping the amendment on Jekyll Island also means stopping the legislation to which it was attached. The primary coastal management legislation would have extended the 2009 expiration date of the act that allows the state the receive federal funds for coastal projects.
The total measure fell by the wayside when Sen. Ross Tolleson, R-Perry, declined to push to have it added to the House Rules Committee calendar because of Rep. Debbie Buckner's, D-Columbus, amendment on Jekyll Island.
Tolleson had sponsored the original legislation to remove a sunset provision in the coastal management act that would allow it to expire in July 2009. All legislation must pass through a House or Senate rules committee in order to get a floor vote in the full body.
Buckner had added the amendment earlier this month in an attempt to halt the redevelopment of Jekyll Island, said Rep. Roger Lane, R-Darien.
The amendment included conditions that would block construction near a half-mile portion of open beach.
"Sen. Tolleson was very upset with Rep. Buckner's addition to his bill," said Lane. "He just threw his hands up, I guess."
House Majority Leader Jerry Keen, R-St. Simons Island, said he expects Tolleson to reintroduce the measure during next year's legislative session, sans Buckner's amendment. Keen is a member of the rules committee.
Waiting a year to pass the legislation could be a risky move, but the redevelopment plans for Jekyll Island are too important to endanger and Buckner's amendment would have done just that, Lane said.
As a member of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, Lane said he voted against the amendment earlier this month.
"The Coastal Zone Management Act is very important legislation, and it's disheartening that this amendment got in the way of it," Lane said. "But the revitalization of Jekyll Island is too serious to jeopardize."
The Coastal Zone Management Act works with the Federal Coastal Management Act to generate funds for conservation, rehabilitation and education efforts along Georgia's coastline.
Sen. Jeff Chapman, R-Brunswick, a supporter of Buckner's legislation, said he was disappointed with the bill's fate, but said "all kinds of things can happen during the legislative process."
Chapman introduced measures of his own in the Senate to accomplish the same objectives as Buckner sought earlier in the session, but his proposals failed to make it out of committee.
Eric Garvey, spokesman for the Jekyll Island Authority, said the failure of Buckner's amendment means the redevelopment project, which includes hotels, condos and a new convention center, is still on go.
"The Jekyll Island Authority has felt that the amendment was completely unnecessary," Garvey said Friday. "And it's regrettable that it has jeopardized an important piece of environmental legislation."
Saturday, March 29, 2008
03/28 - All need access to Jekyll
Date: March 28, 2008
Section(s): Letters
The Brunswick News
We have subscribed to your paper for the last three years since moving here permanently from Atlanta.
We have been visiting Jekyll Island for over 35 years.
Your editorial published Monday, "Sneaky tactic affects Jekyll Island's future," has finally pushed me over the edge.
I have tried to rationalize your reasons for endorsing Linger Longer, and it has now become obvious.
The Brunswick News advertising revenue would increase greatly with having Linger Longer as well as having the hotels, condo rentals, sales, new retail establishments, etc. as prominent advertisers.
If you will look closely at the Linger Longer development plan, you will see that access to the primary beach areas will be monopolized by those staying in the hotels and the condos, and that readily available parking does not exist adjacent to the beach anywhere.
As a result, day visitors or those staying off the beach will have some serious hiking to the water's edge.
Jekyll is our state park and accessible to all.
Martha Lang
Darien
Preserve Jekyll Island as a natural resource
Sometimes, government decisions take on a symbolic value and make a statement about public priorities and values.
Certainly, that is the case with decisions involving Jekyll Island State Park.
The absolute top priority should be to preserve this extraordinary natural resource.
If we give any other goal a higher priority, it says something less than flattering about us as a state.
Your editorial (March 25) promotes killing the goose that laid the golden egg - again!
Celia Gruss
Sea Island
Developers destroying natural beauty of state
Today's (March 25) editorial was totally off base.
The sneaky ones are not the citizens hoping to protect their public beaches on Jekyll Island, but the "poor" developers who continue to destroy the natural beauty of the state of Georgia, be it marshland or river front.
Jane Fulcher
Sea Island
Thousands of Georgians are against development
In response to your editorial decrying Rep. Buckner's amendment to the House bill to extend Coastal Zone Management, I'd like to point out that thousands of Georgians have been polled about this proposed development and have overwhelmingly expressed a negative attitude towards it.
Most Georgians support the revitalization of Jekyll Island.
Indeed, the upgrading of Days Inn, the complete makeover of the Jekyll Estates Inn into the Beachview Club, the upgrading of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel and Crane Cottage, the tearing down of the Holiday Inn and Buccaneer in preparation of new resort facilities with many new condos are all actions which were needed and applauded.
Rep. Buckner did not oppose these projects, nor for that matter did the "average Georgian."
The majority of those polled were very much opposed to development along the beach area, which would be occupied by Linger Longer proposed project.
They would like to see this part of the pristine beach remain pristine and not blocked off by hundreds of condos/vacation homes and three new hotels.
This is not a "pretense" - it's real.
Those people occupying the condos and hotels would hog this portion of the beach, a "scarce resource" in terms of available beach at high tide.
Preserving this beach is not "micromanagement," it's good ecological sense.
Howard Sculthorpe
Jekyll Island
* For additional letters about Jekyll Island, see our Web site at www.thebrunswicknews.com.
Section(s): Letters
The Brunswick News
We have subscribed to your paper for the last three years since moving here permanently from Atlanta.
We have been visiting Jekyll Island for over 35 years.
Your editorial published Monday, "Sneaky tactic affects Jekyll Island's future," has finally pushed me over the edge.
I have tried to rationalize your reasons for endorsing Linger Longer, and it has now become obvious.
The Brunswick News advertising revenue would increase greatly with having Linger Longer as well as having the hotels, condo rentals, sales, new retail establishments, etc. as prominent advertisers.
If you will look closely at the Linger Longer development plan, you will see that access to the primary beach areas will be monopolized by those staying in the hotels and the condos, and that readily available parking does not exist adjacent to the beach anywhere.
As a result, day visitors or those staying off the beach will have some serious hiking to the water's edge.
Jekyll is our state park and accessible to all.
Martha Lang
Darien
Preserve Jekyll Island as a natural resource
Sometimes, government decisions take on a symbolic value and make a statement about public priorities and values.
Certainly, that is the case with decisions involving Jekyll Island State Park.
The absolute top priority should be to preserve this extraordinary natural resource.
If we give any other goal a higher priority, it says something less than flattering about us as a state.
Your editorial (March 25) promotes killing the goose that laid the golden egg - again!
Celia Gruss
Sea Island
Developers destroying natural beauty of state
Today's (March 25) editorial was totally off base.
The sneaky ones are not the citizens hoping to protect their public beaches on Jekyll Island, but the "poor" developers who continue to destroy the natural beauty of the state of Georgia, be it marshland or river front.
Jane Fulcher
Sea Island
Thousands of Georgians are against development
In response to your editorial decrying Rep. Buckner's amendment to the House bill to extend Coastal Zone Management, I'd like to point out that thousands of Georgians have been polled about this proposed development and have overwhelmingly expressed a negative attitude towards it.
Most Georgians support the revitalization of Jekyll Island.
Indeed, the upgrading of Days Inn, the complete makeover of the Jekyll Estates Inn into the Beachview Club, the upgrading of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel and Crane Cottage, the tearing down of the Holiday Inn and Buccaneer in preparation of new resort facilities with many new condos are all actions which were needed and applauded.
Rep. Buckner did not oppose these projects, nor for that matter did the "average Georgian."
The majority of those polled were very much opposed to development along the beach area, which would be occupied by Linger Longer proposed project.
They would like to see this part of the pristine beach remain pristine and not blocked off by hundreds of condos/vacation homes and three new hotels.
This is not a "pretense" - it's real.
Those people occupying the condos and hotels would hog this portion of the beach, a "scarce resource" in terms of available beach at high tide.
Preserving this beach is not "micromanagement," it's good ecological sense.
Howard Sculthorpe
Jekyll Island
* For additional letters about Jekyll Island, see our Web site at www.thebrunswicknews.com.
03/26 - Jekyll bill awaits uncertain fate
Date: March 26, 2008
Section(s): Local News
By ANNA FERGUSON
The Brunswick News
An amendment that would force a major change in plans to revitalize Jekyll Island awaits legislators when they return to Atlanta, but Glynn County's top-ranking House member is refraining from predicting an outcome.
House Majority Leader Jerry Keen, R-St. Simons, has supported the redevelopment plans for the state park as chair of the Jekyll Island Legislative Oversight Committee, but he said he could not speculate on the fate of the amendment.
Keen is a member of the House Rules Committee, the next body that will consider the amendment and determine wether the House will take it up.
Introduced last week by Rep. Debbie Buckner, D-Columbus, the amendment, piggy-backing Senate legislation that would remove an upcoming expiration date of the Georgia Coastal Zone Management Act, is aimed at halting the $342 million renovation project planned for the state-owned island by Linger Longer Communities. It squeaked by the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee Thursday by a single vote.
The amendment would block construction of condominiums and luxury accommodations on a half-mile stretch of beachfront property on Jekyll Island, a vital part of Linger Longer Communities renovation blueprint.
Buckner and her supporters, including Sen. Jeff Chapman, R-Brunswick, say the amendment is an effort to preserve the island.
"Thousands of people from around the state are following this day by day and are in support of responsible rebuilding," said Chapman, adding that supporters have started an e-mail campaign to legislators.
"The folks at Linger Longer would be wise to embrace this amendment and listen to the people. This is what they want."
Susan Shipman, director of the Coastal Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, says the measure puts the state Coastal Management Act in jeopardy and is distressed about the overall ramifications of the legislature's failure if an extension to the act is not passed.
"I am very concerned about this amendment," said Shipman. "It puts area conservation efforts at risk."
The act was created in 1997 to allow the state to participate in the Federal Coastal Management Act.
It provides grants and funding for area organizations to rehabilitate and conserve sensitive areas of the coast. A sunset provision calls for the act to expire July 2009, and cease to exist if the measure is turned down in the current legislative session.
Section(s): Local News
By ANNA FERGUSON
The Brunswick News
An amendment that would force a major change in plans to revitalize Jekyll Island awaits legislators when they return to Atlanta, but Glynn County's top-ranking House member is refraining from predicting an outcome.
House Majority Leader Jerry Keen, R-St. Simons, has supported the redevelopment plans for the state park as chair of the Jekyll Island Legislative Oversight Committee, but he said he could not speculate on the fate of the amendment.
Keen is a member of the House Rules Committee, the next body that will consider the amendment and determine wether the House will take it up.
Introduced last week by Rep. Debbie Buckner, D-Columbus, the amendment, piggy-backing Senate legislation that would remove an upcoming expiration date of the Georgia Coastal Zone Management Act, is aimed at halting the $342 million renovation project planned for the state-owned island by Linger Longer Communities. It squeaked by the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee Thursday by a single vote.
The amendment would block construction of condominiums and luxury accommodations on a half-mile stretch of beachfront property on Jekyll Island, a vital part of Linger Longer Communities renovation blueprint.
Buckner and her supporters, including Sen. Jeff Chapman, R-Brunswick, say the amendment is an effort to preserve the island.
"Thousands of people from around the state are following this day by day and are in support of responsible rebuilding," said Chapman, adding that supporters have started an e-mail campaign to legislators.
"The folks at Linger Longer would be wise to embrace this amendment and listen to the people. This is what they want."
Susan Shipman, director of the Coastal Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, says the measure puts the state Coastal Management Act in jeopardy and is distressed about the overall ramifications of the legislature's failure if an extension to the act is not passed.
"I am very concerned about this amendment," said Shipman. "It puts area conservation efforts at risk."
The act was created in 1997 to allow the state to participate in the Federal Coastal Management Act.
It provides grants and funding for area organizations to rehabilitate and conserve sensitive areas of the coast. A sunset provision calls for the act to expire July 2009, and cease to exist if the measure is turned down in the current legislative session.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
03/25 - OUR OPINIONS: Develop right priorities for Jekyll
ajc.com > Opinion
By Jay Bookman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/25/08
Sometimes, important government decisions do more than determine the outcome of a particular controversy. They take on a larger symbolic value and make a statement about public priorities and values.
Certainly, that's the case with decisions involving Jekyll Island State Park, which state officials are trying to redevelop without diminishing the island's unique appeal. While there's broad agreement that redevelopment is necessary and overdue, the extent of redevelopment is very much a matter of debate.
As legislators ponder Jekyll's fate, they ought to ask themselves a question:
What would it say about Georgia and its priorities if we took the last open stretch of public beach in the state —- a half-mile stretch of property that is supposedly protected as a state park —- and convert it to condo units and hotels, as is now being proposed? What would that say about the things that Georgia holds dear, and about its commitment to preserve assets for future generations?
Under an amendment approved last week in the House Natural Resources Committee, development would be barred along roughly 2,500 feet of now open beachfront north of Jekyll's convention center.
However, chances of that provision being enacted into law are mixed at best, because that property is so highly treasured by developers. It plays a key role in a redevelopment project proposed by Linger Longer Inc. and approved in draft form by the Jekyll Island State Park Authority.
If enacted into law, the development ban —- sponsored by state Rep. Debbie Buckner (D-Junction City) —- would force a significant redesign of the Linger Longer project. Expected revenue from the project would decline, as would the number of overnight visitors the project is likely to attract.
However, the intent of a redevelopment plan for Jekyll Island should not be to maximize revenue or even visitation. The No. 1 priority should be to preserve and enhance the natural resource. If we give any other goal a higher priority, it says something less than flattering about us as a state.
-- Jay Bookman, for the editorial board
By Jay Bookman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/25/08
Sometimes, important government decisions do more than determine the outcome of a particular controversy. They take on a larger symbolic value and make a statement about public priorities and values.
Certainly, that's the case with decisions involving Jekyll Island State Park, which state officials are trying to redevelop without diminishing the island's unique appeal. While there's broad agreement that redevelopment is necessary and overdue, the extent of redevelopment is very much a matter of debate.
As legislators ponder Jekyll's fate, they ought to ask themselves a question:
What would it say about Georgia and its priorities if we took the last open stretch of public beach in the state —- a half-mile stretch of property that is supposedly protected as a state park —- and convert it to condo units and hotels, as is now being proposed? What would that say about the things that Georgia holds dear, and about its commitment to preserve assets for future generations?
Under an amendment approved last week in the House Natural Resources Committee, development would be barred along roughly 2,500 feet of now open beachfront north of Jekyll's convention center.
However, chances of that provision being enacted into law are mixed at best, because that property is so highly treasured by developers. It plays a key role in a redevelopment project proposed by Linger Longer Inc. and approved in draft form by the Jekyll Island State Park Authority.
If enacted into law, the development ban —- sponsored by state Rep. Debbie Buckner (D-Junction City) —- would force a significant redesign of the Linger Longer project. Expected revenue from the project would decline, as would the number of overnight visitors the project is likely to attract.
However, the intent of a redevelopment plan for Jekyll Island should not be to maximize revenue or even visitation. The No. 1 priority should be to preserve and enhance the natural resource. If we give any other goal a higher priority, it says something less than flattering about us as a state.
-- Jay Bookman, for the editorial board
03/23 - Jekyll Island redevelopment: Responses to "Jekyll Island deserves a planned, professional upgrade," issue: March 17
ajc.com > Opinion
Click-2-Listen
LETTERS
By Frank Mirasola, David Kyler, Jody Butler, Mary Shepherd, Charles Busfield
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/23/08
Lift the lid of the stew pot and find some very unsavory ingredients bubbling
Everything Jay Bookman says about Jekyll Island deserving a planned, professional upgrade is on target. Why is that not happening now? Lift the lid on the stew pot and you can see the ingredients: politicians, developers, bankers, lobbyists, hired toadys and big-time professional "bag men." Nary a conservationist, preservationist or steward for the common good in the crowd.
Even a cursory look at the numbers tells you they are bogus. If they are willing to lie about the small stuff, what are they not telling you about the big stuff? Remember the $10 million tax abatement for a hotel project, the $11.3 million "rainy day" fund, the $25 million to fix infrastructure to facilitate the private partner's revitalization effort? All this bears looking into. It's time to call a halt to this land grab. Let's go back to square one and do it the right way.
FRANK MIRASOLA
Mirasola is president of the Jekyll Island Citizens Association.
Transparency lacking
Jay Bookman's insightful recommendations for planning Jekyll Island prior to redeveloping it parallel our own recommendations for analysis of visitation capacity. Having a reliable capacity target is essential for the state park's revitalization effort to be successful.
Like developing private property, determining the scale, location and composition of development depends on analysis of needs, options and limitations. Unlike developing private property, an important goal for Jekyll Island is fulfilling a thoughtfully defined public interest. By proposing to commit millions of dollars in public funds to support private development without knowing what is needed, the Jekyll Island Authority has accomplished neither.
The great potential legacy for all involved, including the governor, is being squandered by the JIA's aversion to transparency and meaningful public involvement.
DAVID KYLER
Kyler is executive director of the Center for a Sustainable Coast.
Current proposal is one beaut of a sellout
Thanks to Jay Bookman for highlighting the problems with the Jekyll Island Authority's plan to revitalize Jekyll Island. The current proposal calls for considerable development on the island and changes that would impact Jekyll's ecology and the ability of average Georgians to stay in their own state park. State Sen. Jeff Chapman (R-Brunswick) sponsored a bill to protect Jekyll's beaches from private development and preserve the island's affordability. The bill was killed in committee in a quick vote. The authority should listen to citizens concerned with keeping Jekyll affordable for average Georgians and protecting its rare beauty, rather than selling out to the highest bidder.
JODY BUTLER, Carrollton
Island authority time and again ignores wishes of the majority
The Jekyll Island Authority has disappointed our constituents time and time again in favor of high-density development, which has been proved to be unnecessary and detrimental to that island's delicate ecology. The authority seems absolutely determined to ignore the wishes of the majority.
Speaking for citizens of Georgia who will not have access to the kind of development planned, and who seem to have no voice in this matter, I urge everyone to rally against this planned desecration of one of our most valuable natural resources!
MARY SHEPHERD, Atlanta
Aggressive plans aren't in line with Georgians' best interests
I appreciate the articles published by the AJC over the past weeks informing Georgia citizens about aggressive development plans for Jekyll Island. While Jekyll needs improvements, the current plans are aggressive in the extreme and threaten what Jekyll has long been about. Its fate should be in line with the rightful wishes and best interests of millions of Georgians, not just a nine-member supervisory board whose judgment and practices on this issue have raised serious worthwhile debate.
CHARLES BUSFIELD, Marietta
Click-2-Listen
LETTERS
By Frank Mirasola, David Kyler, Jody Butler, Mary Shepherd, Charles Busfield
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/23/08
Lift the lid of the stew pot and find some very unsavory ingredients bubbling
Everything Jay Bookman says about Jekyll Island deserving a planned, professional upgrade is on target. Why is that not happening now? Lift the lid on the stew pot and you can see the ingredients: politicians, developers, bankers, lobbyists, hired toadys and big-time professional "bag men." Nary a conservationist, preservationist or steward for the common good in the crowd.
Even a cursory look at the numbers tells you they are bogus. If they are willing to lie about the small stuff, what are they not telling you about the big stuff? Remember the $10 million tax abatement for a hotel project, the $11.3 million "rainy day" fund, the $25 million to fix infrastructure to facilitate the private partner's revitalization effort? All this bears looking into. It's time to call a halt to this land grab. Let's go back to square one and do it the right way.
FRANK MIRASOLA
Mirasola is president of the Jekyll Island Citizens Association.
Transparency lacking
Jay Bookman's insightful recommendations for planning Jekyll Island prior to redeveloping it parallel our own recommendations for analysis of visitation capacity. Having a reliable capacity target is essential for the state park's revitalization effort to be successful.
Like developing private property, determining the scale, location and composition of development depends on analysis of needs, options and limitations. Unlike developing private property, an important goal for Jekyll Island is fulfilling a thoughtfully defined public interest. By proposing to commit millions of dollars in public funds to support private development without knowing what is needed, the Jekyll Island Authority has accomplished neither.
The great potential legacy for all involved, including the governor, is being squandered by the JIA's aversion to transparency and meaningful public involvement.
DAVID KYLER
Kyler is executive director of the Center for a Sustainable Coast.
Current proposal is one beaut of a sellout
Thanks to Jay Bookman for highlighting the problems with the Jekyll Island Authority's plan to revitalize Jekyll Island. The current proposal calls for considerable development on the island and changes that would impact Jekyll's ecology and the ability of average Georgians to stay in their own state park. State Sen. Jeff Chapman (R-Brunswick) sponsored a bill to protect Jekyll's beaches from private development and preserve the island's affordability. The bill was killed in committee in a quick vote. The authority should listen to citizens concerned with keeping Jekyll affordable for average Georgians and protecting its rare beauty, rather than selling out to the highest bidder.
JODY BUTLER, Carrollton
Island authority time and again ignores wishes of the majority
The Jekyll Island Authority has disappointed our constituents time and time again in favor of high-density development, which has been proved to be unnecessary and detrimental to that island's delicate ecology. The authority seems absolutely determined to ignore the wishes of the majority.
Speaking for citizens of Georgia who will not have access to the kind of development planned, and who seem to have no voice in this matter, I urge everyone to rally against this planned desecration of one of our most valuable natural resources!
MARY SHEPHERD, Atlanta
Aggressive plans aren't in line with Georgians' best interests
I appreciate the articles published by the AJC over the past weeks informing Georgia citizens about aggressive development plans for Jekyll Island. While Jekyll needs improvements, the current plans are aggressive in the extreme and threaten what Jekyll has long been about. Its fate should be in line with the rightful wishes and best interests of millions of Georgians, not just a nine-member supervisory board whose judgment and practices on this issue have raised serious worthwhile debate.
CHARLES BUSFIELD, Marietta
03/21 - Jekyll Island gets boost
By Dan Chapman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/21/08
Protection of Jekyll Island's pristine main beach received a legislative boost Thursday when the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee voted to keep the 1/2 mile stretch of sand development-free.
However, many legislative and political hurdles remain for those who want to prevent condos and hotel rooms from lining the beach near the entrance to the state park, as a developer proposes.
"Part of our coast is under attack right now," said Rep. Debbie Buckner (D-Junction City), whose amendment to Senate Bill 367 passed 9-8. The coastal management measure "would keep open the only remaining beach on Georgia's coast that citizens can drive up to."
Now, some of the island's hotels, shops and recreational offerings wear the worn look of an old couch. Developer Linger Longer proposes a $352 million "town center" project —- condos, hotel rooms, time-share units, shops, restaurants and green space —- on 64 acres between Jekyll's dunes and maritime forest.
But public opinion is mixed on the developer's plans for the 7.5-mile-long barrier island. Linger Longer says it will unveil soon a scaled-back project.
The Jekyll Island Authority, which manages the state park, must approve any development and sign a contract with Linger Longer. Buckner and other legislators, however, don't trust the authority to do the public's bidding.
"It's the public's park. It's their land. It's their property rights," Buckner said. "So it's our responsibility to help them in their efforts to protect what they hold dear."
The legislation prohibits development along 2,500 feet of beach north of the island's convention center.
The bill's next stop is the House Rules Committee, whose members typically vote with the House leadership, most of whom already have given public support to Jekyll redevelopment.
Sen. Ross Tolleson (R-Perry), who sponsored SB 367, vowed to fight the amended bill in House Rules as well as later on the Senate floor, if necessary.
"I'd like to see Jekyll Island redeveloped," Tolleson said in a brief interview. "A lot of people just don't go there anymore."
If stymied in Rules, Buckner said she might play another legislative card by taking a similar measure to the House floor, in a ploy used successfully last year to protect Jekyll's south end from development.
"If we get it to the floor, we'll have a majority of votes in both houses" to protect the beach, Sierra Club lobbyist Neill Herring said. "Yeah, I'm optimistic."
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/21/08
Protection of Jekyll Island's pristine main beach received a legislative boost Thursday when the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee voted to keep the 1/2 mile stretch of sand development-free.
However, many legislative and political hurdles remain for those who want to prevent condos and hotel rooms from lining the beach near the entrance to the state park, as a developer proposes.
"Part of our coast is under attack right now," said Rep. Debbie Buckner (D-Junction City), whose amendment to Senate Bill 367 passed 9-8. The coastal management measure "would keep open the only remaining beach on Georgia's coast that citizens can drive up to."
Now, some of the island's hotels, shops and recreational offerings wear the worn look of an old couch. Developer Linger Longer proposes a $352 million "town center" project —- condos, hotel rooms, time-share units, shops, restaurants and green space —- on 64 acres between Jekyll's dunes and maritime forest.
But public opinion is mixed on the developer's plans for the 7.5-mile-long barrier island. Linger Longer says it will unveil soon a scaled-back project.
The Jekyll Island Authority, which manages the state park, must approve any development and sign a contract with Linger Longer. Buckner and other legislators, however, don't trust the authority to do the public's bidding.
"It's the public's park. It's their land. It's their property rights," Buckner said. "So it's our responsibility to help them in their efforts to protect what they hold dear."
The legislation prohibits development along 2,500 feet of beach north of the island's convention center.
The bill's next stop is the House Rules Committee, whose members typically vote with the House leadership, most of whom already have given public support to Jekyll redevelopment.
Sen. Ross Tolleson (R-Perry), who sponsored SB 367, vowed to fight the amended bill in House Rules as well as later on the Senate floor, if necessary.
"I'd like to see Jekyll Island redeveloped," Tolleson said in a brief interview. "A lot of people just don't go there anymore."
If stymied in Rules, Buckner said she might play another legislative card by taking a similar measure to the House floor, in a ploy used successfully last year to protect Jekyll's south end from development.
"If we get it to the floor, we'll have a majority of votes in both houses" to protect the beach, Sierra Club lobbyist Neill Herring said. "Yeah, I'm optimistic."
03/20 - Jekyll Island beach protection clears House committee
ajc.com > Metro
UPDATED: 6:57 p.m. March 20, 2008
By DAN CHAPMAN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/20/08
Protection of Jekyll Island's pristine main beach received a legislative boost Thursday when the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee voted to keep the half-mile stretch of sand development-free.
However, many legislative and political hurdles remain for those who want to prevent condos and hotel rooms from lining the beach near the entrance to the state park, as a developer proposes.
"Part of our coast is under attack right now," said Rep. Debbie Buckner (D-Junction City), whose amendment to Senate Bill 367 passed 9-8. The coastal management measure "would keep open the only remaining beach on Georgia's coast that citizens can drive up to."
Now, some of the island's hotels, shops and recreational offerings wear the worn look of an old couch. Developer Linger Longer proposes a $352 million "town center" project -- condos, hotel rooms, time-share units, shops, restaurants and green space -- on 64 acres between Jekyll's dunes and maritime forest.
But public opinion is mixed on the developer's plans for the 7.5-mile-long barrier island. Linger Longer says it will soon unveil a scaled-back project.
The Jekyll Island Authority, which manages the state park, must approve any development and sign a contract with Linger Longer. Buckner and other legislators, however, don't trust the authority to do the public's bidding.
"It's the public's park. It's their land. It's their property rights," Buckner said. "So it's our responsibility to help them in their efforts to protect what they hold dear."
The legislation prohibits development along 2,500 feet of beach north of the island's convention center.
The bill's next stop is the House Rules Committee, whose members typically vote with the House leadership, most of whom already have given public support to Jekyll redevelopment.
Sen. Ross Tolleson (R-Perry), who sponsored S.B. 367, vowed to fight the amended bill in House Rules as well as later on the Senate floor, if necessary.
"I'd like to see Jekyll Island redeveloped," Tolleson said in a brief interview. "A lot of people just don't go there anymore."
If stymied in Rules, Buckner said she might play another legislative card on the House floor, in a ploy used successfully last year to protect Jekyll's south end from development.
"If we get it to the floor, we'll have a majority of votes in both houses" to protect the beach, Sierra Club lobbyist Neill Herring said. "Yeah, I'm optimistic."
UPDATED: 6:57 p.m. March 20, 2008
By DAN CHAPMAN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/20/08
Protection of Jekyll Island's pristine main beach received a legislative boost Thursday when the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee voted to keep the half-mile stretch of sand development-free.
However, many legislative and political hurdles remain for those who want to prevent condos and hotel rooms from lining the beach near the entrance to the state park, as a developer proposes.
"Part of our coast is under attack right now," said Rep. Debbie Buckner (D-Junction City), whose amendment to Senate Bill 367 passed 9-8. The coastal management measure "would keep open the only remaining beach on Georgia's coast that citizens can drive up to."
Now, some of the island's hotels, shops and recreational offerings wear the worn look of an old couch. Developer Linger Longer proposes a $352 million "town center" project -- condos, hotel rooms, time-share units, shops, restaurants and green space -- on 64 acres between Jekyll's dunes and maritime forest.
But public opinion is mixed on the developer's plans for the 7.5-mile-long barrier island. Linger Longer says it will soon unveil a scaled-back project.
The Jekyll Island Authority, which manages the state park, must approve any development and sign a contract with Linger Longer. Buckner and other legislators, however, don't trust the authority to do the public's bidding.
"It's the public's park. It's their land. It's their property rights," Buckner said. "So it's our responsibility to help them in their efforts to protect what they hold dear."
The legislation prohibits development along 2,500 feet of beach north of the island's convention center.
The bill's next stop is the House Rules Committee, whose members typically vote with the House leadership, most of whom already have given public support to Jekyll redevelopment.
Sen. Ross Tolleson (R-Perry), who sponsored S.B. 367, vowed to fight the amended bill in House Rules as well as later on the Senate floor, if necessary.
"I'd like to see Jekyll Island redeveloped," Tolleson said in a brief interview. "A lot of people just don't go there anymore."
If stymied in Rules, Buckner said she might play another legislative card on the House floor, in a ploy used successfully last year to protect Jekyll's south end from development.
"If we get it to the floor, we'll have a majority of votes in both houses" to protect the beach, Sierra Club lobbyist Neill Herring said. "Yeah, I'm optimistic."
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