Hundreds attend Jekyll forum

November 15, 2007
By ELLEN ROBINSON | The Brunswick News

When one person opposed to redevelopment plans for Jekyll Island asked how many people at a public meeting Wednesday like what is proposed, the answer was obvious: Not many.

Just over one dozen of the 300 people at the meeting convened by project leader Linger Longer Communities stood up to show support for the plans. Those who railed against the proposed $441 million development during the 20 minutes for citizens to speak outnumbered those with a word or two of support for the plan.

For former state Sen. Ed Boshears, a member of the board of the Jekyll Island Authority which operates the state-owned island and which selected Linger Longer to lead the revitalization of it, the showing reinforced his stand in opposition.

"The existing plan will not be approved as is," Boshears said. "This is not a done deal. There are some aspects of this plan I would never vote for," Boshears said at the meeting at the Jekyll Island Convention Center.

Many of those who lease property on Jekyll Island have objected to the redevelopment all along, saying what is planned for new hotels would make the state park unaffordable to average Georgians. The redevelopment includes new hotels, condominiums, new shopping district and new convention center. There also are important environmental issues to consider, Kathy Chapman, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist, told Jekyll Island Authority board members and Linger Longer officials at the hearing.

"These are superb plans for a less sensitive area," she said, noting the island is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms. "You should look at how the former captains of the island built on the sheltered side of the island."

Millionaires Village, summer homes of some of the nation's wealthiest families until they ceded the land to the state after World War II, is on the western side of the island.

It wasn't the only environmental issue raised to challenge plans to replace aging motels on the ocean side of the island. "My first concern is that why, with the emphasis on minimal natural disruption, would you come through a maritime forest with a road?" asked Frank Mirasola, president of the Jekyll Island Citizens Association. "There are marsh lands there, and what about the eagle's nest?"

A woman who said she is in favor of some development pleaded with foes of the proposal to open their minds. "The people aren't coming here anymore," Elle Bennett said. "If we make no changes the businesses here you know and love will go down the tube. "I'm the last person who wants to see my beach touched or our environment here compromised, but we have to bring in more people to survive."

Jim Langford, Linger Longer project executive who presided over the hearing, said he appreciated the input. "That's what these sessions are all about," he said. "We were unable to get the public involved before this point. We welcome the public's input to help us refine this proposal." Those who were unable to voice concerns because of time limitations were encouraged to turn in a feedback sheet.

The board made time at the beginning of the meeting for 10-year-old Morgan Simpson, who presented a petition with 762 signatures from people, young and old, who agree with her that the kiddie playground now in the path of the proposed development on Jekyll Island be spared.

Developers and a board member promised the preteen that the playground will be saved. Langford said the company is committed to keeping the playground where it is or in close proximity to its current location.

Two public input sessions were planned Wednesday, one on Jekyll Island and the other at St. Marys. A public input session also is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today in the Knox Room at the National Science Center in Augusta and at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Cobb Galleria on Cobb Parkway in Atlanta.