Jekyll revival to boost --- not rob --- state

July 25, 2007
By Ben Porter | Journal-Constitution

Critics of Jekyll Island revitalization are correct when they say a "sweetheart deal" is in the works between the Jekyll Island State Park Authority and a new hotel developer, but it is the people of Georgia who are the beneficiaries.

Contrary to recent news coverage and an AJC editorial, developers are not knocking down the door to build new facilities at Jekyll Island. No new hotel has been constructed in more than 35 years. Most existing hotel rooms do not meet quality standards our vacation and convention guests demand. Visits by these groups, as well as day visitors to Jekyll, have declined more than 13 percent over the last six years. Now, with the promise of a modern, new hotel and others to follow, a major convention has agreed to return and others will come back.

Recent legislation gives the Jekyll Island State Park Authority the ability to offer long-term leases to attract quality redevelopment of substandard island facilities. Fortunately, a well-capitalized hotel developer has stepped forward with an expeditious plan to invest $90 million to replace the Buccaneer Hotel with a 540-room hotel/condo complex, with meeting space, restaurants and a spa. The new facility will employ 200 people.

The inaccurate AJC article refers to a fictitious, $10 million rent break. In fact, during its first 15 years, the project is expected to pay to the authority more than $15 million ($4.95 million more in rent revenue and $10.6 million more in hotel tax revenue) than would be produced by the current hotel lease. Additional sales tax to the state will be $13.3 million. Glynn County will receive an additional $10 million in sales tax and $10.9 million in property tax.

In summary, over the first 15 years, the new facility will provide an estimated $50 million in new revenues to Jekyll Island, Glynn County and the state of Georgia. The 18-month, $90 million construction project will provide jobs for hundreds of workers in the area. The new hotel is "win-win" for all, with the exception of one disgruntled, publicity-seeking board member and a few island residents who resist any and all efforts to improve guest accommodations and increase visitation.

This new hotel complex is an exciting first step in the revitalization of Jekyll Island.

By year's end, the authority will choose a private sector partner and begin a long-term revitalization plan for the developed portion of the island. The result will be greatly improved hotel, convention, retail, dining and entertainment accommodations, so all Georgians and other visitors will want to come and enjoy the beautiful beaches, and see the new Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the marvelous natural areas of "Georgia's Jewel."

The dedicated members of this authority, who proudly serve with no compensation, are committed to preserving the island's beauty and natural resources with environmentally sensitive accommodations.

Yes, we have our naysayers. But a few years from now, when the infrastructure is upgraded and we can offer a beautiful, greatly improved island experience, Georgians will appreciate the efforts that will return this precious resource to its crown jewel status.

> Contributing to this column were board members Steve Croy, Samuel B. Kellett Jr., Becky Kelley, Bob Krueger, Mike Hodges and Sybil Lyn.

> Ben G. Porter is chairman of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority.