Fighting for the soul of Jekyll Island
August 13, 2007 at 1:41 pm by Scott Freeman in NewsIn 1947, the state of Georgia purchased Jekyll Island and designated it a “state park for the plain people of Georgia.” Accommodations on the island were supposed to be within the price range of average folk, and state law mandated that 65 percent of the island must remain undeveloped.
The times, they are a-changin’. Gov. Sonny Perdue made an unsuccessful push during the past legislative session to open up the south end of Jekyll to developers. And the Jekyll Island Authority voted last month to give a $10 million rent break to Trammel Crow Co., for a proposed $90 million project where the Buccaneer Beach Resort now sits.
Other developers are also eyeing Jekyll Island, and the Jekyll Island Authority is scheduled next month to select a “development partner” who will be responsible for coordinating an estimated $3 billion in new construction coming to the island.
The rash of activity on Jekyll has prompted the formation of the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island, a new group that will lobby to preserve Jekyll Island as we know it today.
“We’re dealing with a ‘David and Goliath’ scenario here, with the ‘little people’ of Georgia trying to protect their own state park from high-end redevelopment by the ‘giants’ of the real estate work and their powerful allies within the Capitol,” says David Egan, co-director of the group. “We’ve gathered over 5,000 supporters for our cause; they’re mad as hell over what the Jekyll Island Authority … is trying to do at the expense of the mainstream Georgians for whom Jekyll has served as an affordable site for over a half century.”
An oceanfront room at the Buccaneer runs as low as $89 a night, according to the motel’s website. The Trammell Crow proposal — which includes 400 hotel rooms and 120 condos — estimates room prices would be $250 a night at peak season.
“The people of Georgia are getting a raw deal,” says Egan. “The redevelopment of their own state park will result in a park less friendly to people of ordinary means, and far friendlier to deep-pocketed and politically connected developers, and to the affluent clientele the ‘new Jekyll Island’ will cater to.”
The good news is that efforts to protect the south end of the island did succeed. Perdue signed into law a bill that prohibits development there, removes the power of the Jekyll Island Authority to sell land and renews legislative oversight over the authority.
But there’s bad news, too, according to Egan. “My guess is that, with the south end out of the picture, development will simply be more intensive on other parts of the island,” he says.
August 14th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Thanks Creative Loafing for giving this some coverage. It should be receiving extensive coverage statewide, as this is an issue that concerns the entire state, not just the coastal regions.
It appears the JIA, legislature and governer are being blinded by the dollar signs and are ignoring the original mandate which was that the islqand would remain affordabe to the average Georgian. We are about to lose a rare jewel thanks to public officials failing to do what they were charged to do.
Hopefully you can get someone in a position of power to address the affordability issue as thus far they have refused to discuss how this is being addressed.
August 14th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Jekyll Island currently possesses and preserves what is probably the last unspoiled coastline on the eastern seaboard that is easily accessible to people of all walks of life and all income levels. It requires constant vigilance to protect Jekyll from those who would exploit Jekyll for personal gain. The south end, protected for the moment by House Bill 214, can still be turned over to development interests as easily as new legislation can be passed during the next session. But wait, there is more: To me, it remains supremely ironic that while the state offers incentives to big development to get its hooks into Jekyll’s beachfront, the multimillion dollar state of the art Georgia Sea Turtle Center built with private donations opened recently elsewhere on the island and is pulling in 600 visitors a day. GSTC was placed on Jekyll rather than on a remote barrier island specifically so that the public could visit the Center and learn about the plight of our endangered sea turtles. It has been called an “attraction†by those who see Jekyll only as an income-generating asset of the state. It is anything but a mere attraction. GSTC is not a petting zoo, it is not a theme park, it is not a museum: it is a hospital that allows the public to witness first hand the damage that we have done and that we continue to do. We purchase turtle-themed pottery, t shirts and jewelry from the gift shop and feel good about ourselves. Meanwhile, despite the best efforts of the GSTC staff and the local medical community, the first two patients tragically died, both gravely injured by boat propeller strikes. Light pollution from increased beach development further threatens the species by thwarting the nesting process of the Loggerhead, and threatening the survival of hatchlings, who depend on natural moonlight to lead them to the shore. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a dynamic, working testament to man’s negative impact on coastal ecology brought about by increased development and the systematic destruction of the habitat of our endangered species. Man is a selfish species, but we can turn this thing around. We have an opportunity to halt the damage, at least on this precious barrier island, by raising our voices NOW. Jekyll has a unique role in the hearts and minds of most Georgians. Unfortunately, the hearts and minds of certain decision makers seem to be engaged elsewhere.
August 14th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Jekyll was in the news a few months ago, when state lawmakers passed HB214, protecting the pristine south end of this barrier island. It seems that most Georgia citizens, upon hearing that the legislation passed, felt that the island was safe and there was no reason for further concern. But in reality, the developers who want to make the island into an “upscale resort” have simply changed their strategy.
In 1886, a group of millionaires bought Jekyll Island and made it their exclusive winter resort. It was said that for sixty years no unwanted foot touched the island. When the state purchased Jekyll in 1947, the concept was to turn the rich man’s island into the people’s island. For the past sixty years, it has been everyman’s island. It would be a tragedy if the island again became the exclusive playground of the rich…while under state ownership!
August 14th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
When I was last on Jekyll this spring, I met a couple who live on Amelia Island. They come to Jekyll to spend time in the beauty of OUR ISLAND. Theirs is far too developed to retain the wading birds, the alligators, the sea otters, and other frivolous stuff. We have this incredible gift, and we do not rush to its aid when it is threatened. Why? I have written and called my elected representatives with very little responce. This is how the system is suppose to work, but I am getting the frightful feeling that the system is broken and only works for those with deep pockets to entice the officials elected to protect Georgia and Georgians.
August 14th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
This IS a fight for the very soul of Jekyll Island. It was intended for “…the plain people of Georgia…”
If it is developed in accordance with the greedy developers and the now-controversial and divided Jekyll Island Authority, it will serve only those Georgians of means.
Jekyll should offer ALL Georgians, without regard to ethnicity or social class, a place to enjoy a simple three-day, two-night vacation.
Significantly, the Jekyll Island Authority Board is an all-while board, and they do not represent the social and economic make-up of the State of Georgia.
There must be a sense of urgency about protecting Jekyll Island from those who would develop it into a second-class “gilded coast.”
Those of means will flock to the established gilded coast resorts, and only Georgians of the upper classes will be able to afford Jekyll. The tourist dollars of “…the plain people” of Georgia will go elsewhere.
Call governmental officials now, and write, call, and e-mail the Jekyll Island Authority Board.
Jekyll Island must be maintained as originally designated by Gov Melvin Thompson in 1947. If we fail at maintaining Jekyll, it will be gone forever.
Is that a good legacy, Governor Perdue?
August 14th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
The people of Georgia do not realize this legacy is being taken away from them. It’s become a matter of legislators and the governor making this a third-world type thing with the rich getting what they want and the ordinary people being left out. They need to fire this Jekyll Island Authority and start over with a more representative group.
I visited there last Spring from Michigan. If they need more money to run the Georgia State Park that comprises the island, I suggest that they up the fee for out-of-staters to enter it. It’s a haven for increasingly rare birds and turtles that everyone is willing to protect.
August 14th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
I think it is a shame what’s being proposed for Jekyll Island. There is already enough fancy developement in the area and fewer and fewer affordable places to take your family to. I do hope the JIA comes to their senses and doesn’t give the island completely away.
August 14th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
My family has been going to Jekyll Island for over 45 years BECAUSE it is underdeveloped. If people want high-rise condos, spas, and gaudy structures, there are other destinations that will cater to that desire. Jekyll overflows with natural beauty from its driftwood beaches, wildlife, and uncluttered beaches. Can’t we just leave one little slice of heaven alone for the people who actually enjoy its serenity? If the Trammel Co. and others like it start developing the island’s interior, foot traffic is going to increase at the expense of wildlife habitats, cleaner beaches, and not to mention having a peaceful getaway. Everyone, please help us preserve our little slice of heaven.
August 14th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Having been closely involved with the fight to preserve Jekyll Island\\\’s traditional character in the face of the JIA Board\\\’s plans to upscale the island, I must say that Scott Freeman\\\’s headline for his story captures perfectly what the Georgian people\\\’s campaign to protect their own state park from the impact of high-end redevelopment is all about. It is, in fact, the soul of JI that is a stake here, and it is that very soul, that intangible spirit, that has so captivated the island\\\’s visitors over the years. I know this to be true because I have had the pleasure and honor of reding the thousands of comments and letters sent by Jekyll\\\’s visitors to the Initiative to Protect JI through its web site – http://www.savejekyllisland.org. These letters attest to howJekyll inspires a loyalty that runs deep among Georgians; the kind of intense feelings that make citizens rise to its defense when they see those aligned with the world of development appoach \\
August 14th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
I have been going to Jekyll Island for as long as I can remember. My grandparents and my dad all grew up taking day trips to Jekyll. Now my family has begun the tradition of going there to enjoy the tranquility of an mostly undeveloped island as opposed to the hustle and bustle of St. Simons or a place like Panama City. It is a crime that the greed of the Jekyll Island Authority is going to be allowed to win. Everyone that has ever enjoyed an afternoon picnic, or taken a leisurely walk down the beach on Jekyll needs to stand up and let your voice be heard. Those who stood up for the south side of Jekyll succeeded in securing protection for it. So if you are opposed to the Jekyll Island Authority, talk about it, let them know how you feel.
August 14th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
I haven\\\’t been to Jekyll Island recently, but can easily recall the natural beauty and history of the island. We had to wait for white-tail deer to move before we could drive on. Granted, the Buccaneer as I remember it can use some refurbishment and one or two more \\
August 14th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
I haven’t been to Jekyll Island recently, but can easily recall the natural beauty and historical background of the island. We had to wait for white-tail deer to move before we could drive on. Granted, the Buccaneer, as I remember it could use some refurbishment and one or two more “come-as-you-are” restaurants would be nice; but, a major expensive development is not necessary. I remember visiting Hilton Head Island many years ago and hearing it pledged that there would never be more than one resort hotel built on the island. Now, look at it! It would appear that greed is the primary motivation behind the JIA’s decisions.
August 15th, 2007 at 11:22 am
One of the themes common to the responses to Scott Freeman’s article, “Fighting for the soul of Jekyll Island” is that elected officials need to speak out on behalf of preserving Jekyll’s long-standing tradition of affordability. Well, an article that in today’s Brunswick News – http://www.thebrunswicknews.com/open_access/news/310793148835466.php -
shows that one leader is doing just that. Senator Jeff Chapman, the article reports, has asked the Jekyll Island Authority’s Board to explain not only its rationale for giving $10,000,000 in incentives to developer Trammell Crow to build a new hotel complex on the island but also how the Board’s approach to hotel redevelopment will benefit the Georgians of ordinary means, for whom JI State Park was set aside some sixty years ago. “I don’t want the authority to lose sight of the original intent of this public asset,” the Senator said. Pointing out that Jekyll needs to remain affordable for mainstream Georgians, Senator Chapman said, “The board is obligated, empowered, to do everything necessary to make that happen.” On behalf of the 5,000+ supporters of the Initiative to Protect JI, who largely constitute the “plain people of Georgia Governor Melvin Thompson referred to when, in 1947, he called for the creation of JI State Park,” I commend Senator Chapman for requesting that the JIA Board continue to privilege Jekyll’s tradition as an attractive get-away for average income families.
August 15th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Your article about the Jekyll Island Authority is just in time. Somebody needs to find out why Governor Perdue appointed this particular group, with no representation of the ordinary people of our state.
Actually, an investigative article on the whole process is overdue. Who’s getting what kind of favors from this — not us!
Emma Schildmeyer
October 16th, 2007 at 10:04 am
I try to keep up with the activity on Jekyll Island and am dis-heartend to see any major development take place there. I have lived on Amelia Island since 1974. I came here as the first Planning and Zoning Director for our County and served in that capacity for over 20 years. This was in response to SeaPines purchasing the southern 1/3 of Amelia Island for development….. the development hasn’t stopped yet. The pristine beauty of Amelia Island, the wide open public beaches, the wildlife…. all of the reasons people flocked here to live, are becoming memories.
Don’t let this happen to Jekyll. I try to do my little part from afar. I am out of government service and have been a ceramic artist/potter for many years. I make a variety of fish and sea turtle related pottery that I provide to the Jekyll Island Welcome Center and Sea Turtle Center (below my normal wholesaleprices) to help raise funds for the Turtle Center and other projects and I donate a large piece each year for their fundraiser auction. It may not sound like much, but if everyone did a little bit, Jekyll would be a wonderful place for our grand childen.