Soapbox: Jekyll Island Authority ‘at it again’
March 9, 2009 at 9:25 am by Thomas Wheatley in Soapbox
State Sen. Jeff Chapman
State Sen. Jeff Chapman, R-Brunswick, has been the most vocal critic of developer Linger Longer’s plans for Jekyll Island, the idyllic state park on Georgia’s coast. In this op-ed, entitled “They’re At It Again,” the senator says the governor-appointed board tasked with overseeing the island either misunderstands a recent study of the proposal or is misleading the public.
The Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) is at it again, this time endorsing a density study conducted by the Bleakly Advisory Group, which claims that the proposed 150 percent increase in the state park’s year-round residences and rental accommodations by the year 2023 would still make Jekyll “significantly less developed than other comparable coastal destinations in terms of resident and seasonal population, housing density and traffic volumes.”
Truth be told, Bleakly based his calculations on a U.S. Census Bureau Report that includes more than 5,000 acres of marshland, most of which surrounds the six-mile long Jekyll Causeway, as part of Jekyll Island. By artificially doubling Jekyll’s real size, Bleakly attempted to show that, on a per acre basis, the built-up Jekyll of the future would not be overdeveloped or overcrowded, when, in fact, the exact opposite would be true.
But Bleakly’s misrepresentation of the truth does not end there. He ignored the fact that 65 percent of Jekyll Island must, by law, remain in its natural state. When population and housing units per acre are calculated on the basis of the legally developable portion of the island, Jekyll would rank at the top of the list in virtually all density categories with regard to the other coastal vacation sites selected by Bleakly as comparable.
The JIA has tried to lend some support to Bleakly’s misrepresentations by claiming that the proposed massive increase in the number of the park’s lodging and housing units will simply restore the park’s built environment to its peak level, which was reached back in the 1980s. The truth is that during its peak years the park had 2,300 lodging/housing units, not the 4,000 units forecast by the JIA.
Enough of the exaggerations and misrepresentations. The public deserves to know the truth. Jekyll Island is, after all, a state park set aside for the plain people of Georgia; it is not a private resort as the JIA would have us believe. The people, as the true owners of the island park, should have a say in Jekyll’s redevelopment. Instead, they are continually misled by a JIA board that seems determined to slip one by the public and allow a private developer to commercialize the people’s park.
(Courtesy Senate Press Office)
March 10th, 2009 at 10:01 am
I’m grateful to Senator Chapman and Creative Loafing for bringing to light the JIA’s apparent attempt to manipulate the math in order to show that the build-up they’re planning for Jekyll Island State Park will not affect the park’s character or natural assets, and that the people of Georgia will just love the new Jekyll.
As I see it, there is only one reason for the JIA to sanction the poorly conceive density study done by its consultant, the Bleakly Group, and that is to defuse the inevitable public opposition to a development plan that would jam 4,000 rental and housing units and 15,000 people into the tiny area of Jekyll Island that is eligible for development. Sure if you double Jekyll’s actual land area, as Bleakly did, and forget about the law that says only 35% of Jekyll is eligible for development, you can come up with density figures for housing, rental accommodations, population, etc. that will make Jekyll look not all that densely developed compared to other coastal resorts. But the truth is that a Jekyll Island of the type forecasted would be a mess – the developable part of the beachfront would be solidly lined with condos, time-shares and hotels, which, according to the JIA’s new height ordinance, can be up to 6 stories tall.
In the AJC Jekyll article a week ago or so, I can see that the JIA is not exactly raking in a ton of money from the development projects it has approved. The deal with Linger Longer is particularly bad, with the JIA settling for a mere 1 percent cut of the hundreds of millions of dollars to be made by Linger Longer in its Jekyll town center project. I have to wonder if the JIA is settling for a small slice of the developer profit pie so that more and more development will seem to be needed in order for the JIA to get the bucks its says it needs to run the park and make it a better place. If this is so, then Linger Longer would truly have a sweetheart deal, since they have been given a monopoly on new development projects for Jekyll Island for the next 25 years. The public, on the other hand, would be getting a deal that is anything but sweet.
What Senator Chapman has apparently uncovered, bless his heart, is a plan that would make Jekyll look like the other overcrowded vacation sites along the southeast coast and to cover up this fact until after the damage has been done. Jekyll can be improved, renovated, without killing the goose that lays the golden egg. The JIA needs to accept this fact and draft a redevelopment plan accordingly.
What really surprises me is that Senator Chapman seems to be the only legislator who is trying to see that Jekyll is improved AND to guarantee that the public gets a fair deal in the process. I don’t think he’s making too many friends among the Republican leadership these days for doing what he’s doing, but he sure has impressed me (I’ll bet he’ll be thrilled to know that) and probably a lot of other people who want what’s best for JI State Park.
March 10th, 2009 at 10:07 am
The Bleakly group is nothing but a hired gun for the JIA and the politcal powers backing the “revitalization” of Jekyll Island. The JIA says they need $100 million dollars to “fix” Jekyll but they provide no rationale of justification for that amount. Then they ask Bleakly to be their consultant…no they did not bid the job out…and yes, this is the same Bleakly they hired to help them “pick” their private partner.
So now Bleakly does a “study” that says Jekyll needs a 150% increase in housing and lodging units to give the JIA the revenue it needs and to PROVE that Jekyll will still be the island famed for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. They use bogus numbers to determine how dense the island will “feel” when all those buildings and people are added.
The crying shame of all of this is the public is the loser over and over again because the JIA board of 3 years ago had a good plan: First, fix up the oceanfront hotels, then see what is needed revenue wise and move forward from there to rebuild the convention center and retail area. Instead we have a board that gave away the farm in the contracts they made with developers. Hence, the JIA’s revenue stream to run the island will be paltry and they will…need more development…to run the island. The governor “helped” the JIA by providing bond money…that the JIA will have to pay back…with what?…guess that means the public will pay the interest and the debt to provide more profit for the developers. What a mess!
Thank you Senator Chapman for having the courage to continue to expose the underhanded dealings of the JIA.
Shame on the political power brokers who care more for their careers and money going into their campaign funds then they care for making Jekyll be the BEST oceanfront state park in the country and not a development boondoggle for their friends.
The connections between the big players in this drama are really interesting. We have heard about the Perdue/Mercer Reynolds (Linger Longer) connection for 2 years now. Do you know about Eric Johnson picking Jamie Reynolds, as in Linger Longer to be his campaign finance chair…or that Steve Croy, vice president of the JIA board and crony with the Republican incrowd is Casey Cagles campaign finance chair?
There are other connections too and the public deserves an investigation into the giveaway of their state park!
March 10th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Thank you to Sen. Chapman for continually speaking out! We need more eyes and ears on our side. I’m glad that, even though he isn’t winning a popularity contest, he is willing to speak out for what he knows is right. We need to continue to protect one of our last great family vacation spots, for the many people who don’t like overcrowding and overbuilding.
March 10th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Has anyone here read Carl Hiassen’s book “Sick Puppy”?
Well, give it good read, and you’ll see some humourous analogies. It’s about the saving of a fictional island off the Florida coast.
Everyone can see that something’s being pulled on the citizens of Georgia via the contract with Linger Longer. Now, if they’re doing that to us, what do you think they’re doing to the flora and fauna on Jekyll?
This is another of Ol Son’s appointed boards, and they are well-versed in the use of the rubber stamp.
If you want to stand by and watch the Great Jekyll Land Grab of 2009 in which the Governor’s friends, who’d profess to do what’s right for Georgia, give a huge profit margin and future taxes away and attempt to write into the margins notes which will mis-use the facts and make it possible to, one day, develop all of the island because they figured in wetlands as a part of the usable area for development.
Write this blog, that’s for sure, but don’t stop there. Call the Attorney General. Call Casey Cagle. Casey has to run for Governor, and he can’t dodge the issue, but he’s already on record at the Gold Dumb for having blocked Jekyll issues before.
If Jekyll Island Authority won’t agree, in all of the controversy which has arisen, to stop and look at the matter one more time in the light of day, then there’s something wrong and everyone knows it.
If you are pro-evironment or just hate government arrogance and corruption, join this fight.
You won’t be alone.
Check out this website:
http://www.savejekyllisland.org
We can only save Jekyll Island NOW. Later, we nor anyone else will have the opportunity.
Don’t let his pass without your observation and citizen response.
WE still run the State of Georgia,and (Hallllooooo Georgia Dumb)…we aint goin away, yall!
March 10th, 2009 at 10:59 am
I write in support of Sen Chapman. The density reports are not credible. Developers have a vested interest that is not aligned with the future generations of Georgians.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Thank you Senator Chapman for having the courage to stand up to the JIA and greedy developers. One thing the people of Georgia DON’T deserve is another overcrowded, overpriced resort–especially when it will financed largely by taxpayer dollars.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:06 am
We had to know when this started that corruption and misleading the public was ineveitable; after all, this is Georgia! Thank you, Senator Chapman, for continuing your fight for OUR Jekyll Island. I am trying to get things in place to move to Brunswick and when I do—-you have my vote every time. Keep up the great work! Don’t let the bad guys get away with ANYTHING!!!!
March 10th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Thank you, Senator Chapman, for continuing to bring this important issue to the people of Georgia. The JIA would like nothing more than to move forward with their over-development plans behind closed doors, and only involve the public when they make misleading press releases such as this one. The deal they have forged with Linger Longer is shady and possibly illegal. People who love Jekyll all agree that redevelopment is necessary, but not the way they want to do it. Jekyll Island represents some of the rarest and most threatened habitat on the Atlantic coast for many animals, including critically threatened species of turtles and birds. Bringing thousands more human beings here – especially during nesting season – will spell disaster for these animals.
Senator Chapman – we support you as you continue to fight this horrendous attempt to spoil one of Georgia’s Jewels.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Thank you Sen. Chapman. You are one of the few politicians we have here in South Georgia actually serving in the public interest.
Jekyll Island has been under attack for years; movie sets on the beach, new golf courses in maritime forest. But this recent onslaught is the most threatening of all.
We MUST do something to stop Linger Longer’s current plans to develop Jekyll Island for profit. The current members of the JIA should be horsewhipped for abuse of power and public theft. Sonny is history after 2010. Who comes next? And Republican opponents are already lining up to challenge Sen. Chapman, the best representative we have had in YEARS!
It is a sorry state of affairs in Georgia politics.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Jekyll Island, an “idyllic” state park? Not if the JIA has its way, and what a tragedy that would be. Thank you, Creative Loafing, for drawiing attention to the consistent manipulation and misreprestation of facts by the JIA. Sen. Chapman’s efforts to protect the best interests of the island and the citizens of Georgia deserve praise and support. The political machinations behind the Linger Longer deal reek to the skies.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Thank God for Sen. Jeff Chapman!
He is the only one in Atlanta that remembers or cares that Jekyll Island is a State Park, not Gov. Sonny/Mercers Reynolds private playground. Not only will Linger Longer make boatloads of cash for the rape of our State Park, we Georgians have to pay them to destoy it.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Thank you for the excellent article that calls attention to the shameful political dealings
surrounding the Jekyll Island contracts!
We need a lot more politicians as honest and courageous as Senator Chapman who has shed light on the questionable details of the Linger Longer contract that JIA political appointees of the Governor have created to benefit Linger Longer and to harm Georgia taxpayers.
Let’s not let Jekyll Island end up as a profit center for Linger Longer developers instead of a magnificent retreat for all Georgians!!
March 10th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Thank you, Senator Chapman, for championing the one thing that we all need more of – the truth. Jekyll Island belongs to the people of the state, not to the pocketbooks of the developers. I dread the day that I take my niece to Jekyll, fight through the asphalt jungle for a parking space, elbow my way to the walking paths or the beach, and tell her “once upon a time” stories about the enchanted, natural, beautiful, and honored place that the island once was. Please keep up the fight and keep exposing the “real” truth.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Anyone who visits Jekyll Island will agree that it needs refurbishment. The type of development the JIA hopes to bring is staggering as it more than doubles the current capacity and chews up public beachfront property. The southeastern seaboard has enough properties like that. The JIA also gave the developers a deal that hurts the Island’s revenue picture. Read the facts for yourself. Thank you Sen. Jeff Chapman for continuing to fight for the “people’s island” and to creativeloafing.com for giving the issue publicity.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:30 am
We the people of Georgia are being continually sold a bill of goods by this administration and its minions. It would be very nice to get a tasteful cost effective update of Jekyll that will reflect its proper role. JIA, Linger Longer, and their cohorts are not the solution. Please, everyone, let’s keep working to do right by the people.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:31 am
The people who visit Jekyll Island do not want shopping centers, condos, and an overcrowded park. We want a quite, tranquil place to enjoy nature. Go to St. Simons or Hilton Head if you need shopping, lots of folks, and noise. The JIA should be removed from controlling this park – their approach is unacceptable!
Signed a 15+ year annual vistor to Jekyll
March 10th, 2009 at 11:33 am
The JIA Board continues to operate in secret and by distributing false and misleading information to the public about Jekyll Island. We can be certain that JIA is not a friend of Jekyll Island State Park nor is it a friend to citizens of Georgia. Their coziness with Linger Longer will result in hundreds of millions in profit for LL and millions of dollars in taxes for Georgia citizens and taxpayers. Taxpayers provide the funds so a wealthy private developer–Linger Longer–can turn Jekyll Island from a state park into an enclave for the wealthy. Is that to be the future of ALL our state parks in Georgia. It will be unless Georgia legislators support Senator Jeff Chapman in his efforts to save Jekyll.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Haven’t Georgia Republicans learned a thing from the collapse of their national party? The Linger Longer deal over Jekyll Island is just another case of corporate welfare that doesn’t appeal to anyone who’s not in on the deal. Obviously Sen. Chapman “gets it”, but he sounds far too much like a lone voice crying in the wilderness to me. Hey Republicans, it’s about smaller government, not using the police power of the state as an instrument of plunder on behalf of your supporters.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Georgians and citizens of the planet,
Jekyll Island is our jewel. All the way up and down the Eastern seaboard are industrial businesses, residential development and unsightly McMansions. Very little unspoiled beach is left for the present or future generations to savor and enjoy. Jekyll remains mostly undeveloped as was intended by law for the people of all stations of life. Linger Longer andBleakley have a vested self interest in development and making money. The opportunity to expand THEIR intersts is clouding their vision. Yes, some of the businesses need upgrades. However, the extent to which Linger Longer wants to take this upgrade process is too much of a land grab.
Hasn’t the worship of money why we are in this exploding economy in the first place?
Greed is not good, despite what many business people believe.
Greedy plans for our dear Jekyll Island could change it forever to an unrecognizable wasteland filled with the trash of fast food restaurants.
Discipline, creativity and balance are needed to properly preserve and upgrade Jekyll.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Jekyll Island is a state PARK. There is no need or desire for this type of development by anyone other than those who stand to profit it from it. Simple as that.
Jekyll is of significant historical, environmental, and natural value — it is not a place for shopping centers, condos, or anything of that kind. Anyone who would believe otherwise is absolutely mistaken.
If only we had a governor who was not party to this corruption — this sad saga might come to the abrupt end that is so deserves. I expect it will drag on until the people of Georgia wise up and elect a better leader.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:50 am
We spent a weekend on Jekyll two weeks ago and are again delighted and relaxed. So much of the coast is high-end developed already – please save a little area for the rest of us…by which I do NOT mean a $450/night luxury hotel. In addition, Adoptive and Foster Parents’ Association of Georgia, the group sponsoring the annual conference, would be unable to afford another venue. Please leave us something!
March 10th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Huge thanks to Sen. Chapman for exposing the “density data” manipulation by JIA.
JIA’s development vision is a nightmare that will turn beautiful and accessible Jekyll Island primarily into a playground for the well-to-do. The ecology will be changed, and the public will have less access to this remarkable island.
Privatizing public spaces is not the way to go. Hang in there, Sen. Chapman. Many of us who oppose this corruption are with you all the way.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Thank you Sen. Chapman and thank you IPJI for fighting for Jekyll Island and the people of Georgia. We must save and protect the Island. Once it is destroyed by development, there is no returning it to the Island we all love. There are a lot of overdeveloped Islands and coastal areas, but there is only one Jekyll.
March 10th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
This abuse of power is really outrageous. Just what “comparable coastal destinations” can these people have in mind? Jekyll Island is a public PARK, not a development zone. What part of PARK do these people not understand? It’s time to fire the members of this out-of-control Authority and put in people who will represent the PUBLIC instead of their fat cat deveolper buddies.
March 10th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
As Mark Twain (and others) said, there are three kinds of falsehoods: “Lies, damned lies and statistics.” The Jekyll Island State Park Authority has no shame about bending the truth to the breaking point in it’s bumbling and heavy-handed campaign to turn this beautiful, fragile barrier island, given by law to the plain people of Georgia, into a resort for the wealthy. They and their friends in the legislature (Pearson, Rogers, Keen, Cagle, Johnson, Williams)and the Governor, have made it all too clear that their eventual aim is to get rid of most of the modestly priced accomodations and the modestly styled homes (and their owners,) to make way for Linger Longer to take over the island and make it into Reynolds Plantation by the Sea.
March 10th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
As annual vacationers to Jekyll Is., we do not want to see further major development. A little updating and refurbishing is all that is needed.
We vacationed at Daytona Beach for several years, but now come to Jekyll after so much development was done there. Please don’t do that to Jekyll.
March 10th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
My comments on the development plan submitted by LLC are:
1) No development plan should be considered until the residential leases are renewed.
2) The only hotels that should be built are to replace hotel rooms lost due to demolition. If 100 rooms are demolished, only 100 room should be rebuilt. There is no need to expand/increase the number of hotel rooms. The existing plan and other development initiatives violate this principle.
3) Will Jekyll Island become another over-developed St Simons Island or will people be able to enjoy its natural beauty?
4) Is the other LLC development in Georgia accessible to all Georgians or just the wealthy?
5) There is no environmental impact analysis associated with the LLC plan. What are the effects of the massive development on endangered species, dunes, beach erosion, water supplies, air quality, etc.?
6) What is the financial viability of LLC to complete the project if cost overruns emerge? What constraints exist to prevent LLC from coming back to the bargaining table in 2010, 2011, or later requesting additional development to provide more revenue? What constraints exist to prevent LLC from abandoning the project if cost overruns occur or revenue projections are revised to lower levels?
7) An independent public report needs to be prepared describing the professional and personal relationships for the past 15 years and any proposed professional or personal relationships between Governor Perdue, any current member of the Jekyll Island Board, and/or any principal of LLC. The development plan must be untainted by any actual or perceived conflict of interest.
March 10th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Thank you to Senator Chapman who continues to fight the destruction of Jekyll Island. Jekyll does not need to become another St. Simmons. One is enough. JIA needs to be investigated for their sale of Jekyll Island. And I wish I could use Bleakly Groups math…I would own a lot more property.
March 10th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Comparing Jekyll to Cape San Blas and other tourist destinations is outrageous. Cape San Blas is 3 to 4 deep in homes on the ocean and have been empty for years due to over development. The big issue is who will reap the financial wind falls if the development occurs? You can bet moon pie Sonny and his list of appointment of stooges are on the pay day somewhere. Someone has to pierce the corporate veil to find all of the players. Thank you, Sen Chapman, for standing up to these thugs. You have our support.
March 10th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Thanks to Sen Chapman for his support.Just take a drive over to St Simons or Hilton Head if you want to be in chaos,lots of development and high traffic.Jekyll Island is a state park for “we the people”, not “we the developers” or “we the JIA”. Yes, there are things that can be improved on, but improvement doesn’t mean new development as an excuse to do so. The JIA was wrong from the beginning to do this underhanded deal and it smells more and more. I just renewed my decal for the year and plan to do so every year no matter how much it goes up.But will we still be able to even go onto the island one day should the state decide to sell it? That’s absurd sounding, but then so is the Linger Longer deal.People love Jekyll for the atmosphere of relaxing on the beach or enjoying the non-developed portions riding bikes or hiking and camping.At this rate the rich will once again own the island while the rest of us are left waving to them and paying their way to enjoy what was once ours.
March 10th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Isn’t it time that someone in authority put a stop to the plans for enormous overdevelopment and damage the Jekyll Island Authority has for the people of Georgia’s state park?
The Linger Longer private development company’s deal with JIA is gross, but the latest outrage is this study by Bleakly Advisory Group that illegally comes up with a ridiculous new density figure that it claims can be accommodated by the island.
Thank heavens Senator Jeff Chapman keeps publishing these sneaky destructive moves against our Jekyll Island. Is anyone listening?
March 10th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Come on, Georgia legislators! Wise up before it’s too late. Put a moratorium on the Jekyll development and call for a thorough investigation by an independent party of all the deals that have been made. Georgians deserve better than this!
We have visited Jekyll for 25+ years and have to desire to see it turned into another crowded, overdone island. Please stop before it’s too late!
March 10th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Thank you Senator Chapman for working to preserve Jekyll Island. We have a real “jewel” and want to keep this serene and beautiful island for generations to enjoy as we have. The politics in Georgia has become an embarrassment. Thank you for standing up for what is right!
March 10th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
It’s been an on-going battle to protect OUR island from the greed of ‘our’ governor and his cronies. Thanks, Mr. Chapman, for your courage in bucking the powers-that-be in fighting to keep Jekyll for the people of Georgia, as it was intended. A state park shouldn’t be a source of revenue for private developers. If the state isn’t making a profit on it, that’s beside the point. State parks are refuges for the citizens, not ‘golden geese’ for politicians.
Let’s have an unbiased review of everything that’s been done thus far concerning Jekyll. We all know that statistics can be manipulated to show whatever the people doing the math want them to show.
The Island Authority is a joke and a sham. They care nothing about the island, unlike those of us who’ve loved and enjoyed Jekyll for a lifetime. The JIA is a prime example of ‘the fox guarding the henhouse’.
I will never vote Republican in our governor’s race again, thanks to Sonny’s behavior over the Jekyll Island issue.
Mr. Chapman, keep on doing what you were elected to do – represent the PEOPLE of your district and of our state. The governor and the JIA have forgotten about the ‘public service’ part of their jobs.
As they say, money talks, and Georgia’s governor and his cronies are certainly listening.
March 10th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Regarding Jekyll development. We have seen enough overdevelopment and misuse of natural habitat. Thank you Senator Chapman for representing the real rights of the people and the future generations to come.We need this natural way preserved and protected as the need to overdevelop only fills the greed of man….not the feeding of the soul so many of us now experience on Jekyll the way she is.Please keep this Jewel pristine & affordable the way it was originally promised to the people of this state of GA.
Thanks for caring…….
Sincerely..Ben R. McGowan
March 10th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Thanks so much to the honorable Senator Jeff Chapman continuing to represent his constituents and Georgians. It was bad enough that the governor packed the JIA with developers! This study is so flawed and we need to make sure that Jekyll Island does not become what it is NOT meant to be. This is our state park, not private property for the JIA to hand over to Linger Longer. It is amazing what can be accomplished with integrity and honesty, because I keep seeing that the JIA is being exposed for what it is, aside from the recent post of Ed Boshears. Let’s hope this leads to an investigation or an audit and that the Jekyll Island Oversight Committee do their job! No right to steal the island from the people and we do not want an overpopulated Jekyll and we need to look at the natural habitats there and what the Bleakley study leaves out.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Thank you,thank you,Senator Chapman! Your steadfast refusal to accept misleading justifications about Jekyll development plans is a great service to your constituents and all Georgians who love Jekyll Island.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Once again they underestimate the watchful eye of Sen. Chapman and the friends of Jekyll Island. The island needs to be respected for the jewel it is, and not prostituted for the gain of a few. State Park should mean something when it comes to accessibility and affordability. Thank you Sen. Chapman for once again shedding light on the shady tactics of the JIA and its’ partners in crime.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Thank Goodness for Sen. Jeff Chapman!
I agree with Ray above 100%. Clearly the Senator is the only one in Atlanta that cares that Jekyll Island is a State Park!!! It is not for the rich to make their paradise playground. It is not Hilton Head Island (which is basically what Linger Longer wants to turn it into). It is a State Park. It’s beautiful just the way it is and it doesn’t need greedy politicians fouling it up. Your already doing that with the rest of the country. Leave Jekyll alone.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Dear Jekyll Island Authority and Senator Chapman,
Linger Longer’s plans call for too much density as far as I can see. Don’t just go by their figures but look at Sen. Chapman’s figures also, and any independent source of figures. A Jekyll Island over developed will be no Jekyll Island at all – just a Panama City in Ga.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Mr. Chapman, You are an intelligent, honest and brave man, keep up the good fight. The JIA’s battle plan for this battle is: Lie, deceive and then blatantly lie some more. Then, when they are done and get their way, they will give a sweetheart deal to their Linger Longer buddies and raise the cost of visiting Jekyll for the real owners of Jekyll Island, the citizens of Georgia. Face it, The JIA and “Funny” Perdue will not be happy till Jekyll looks like Saint Simons.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Jekyll Island has a long history as a political football. With seven miles of pristine beach on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, many hands have reached out through the years to take possession of this valuable slice of coastal real estate. Dubbed “Thompson’s Folly” by his successor Herman Talmadge, Jekyll Island was purchased by Governor M. E. Thompson in 1947 from the members of the Jekyll Island Club, who had acquired the island in the 1880s as a southern winter haven for America’s greatest financiers. Even before he became Governor, Thompson envisioned Jekyll Island State Park as a beach resort for all citizens of Georgia, required by law to remain self-sustaining and to operate at the most reasonable rates possible for people of average income. His vision became reality with the Jekyll Island State Park Authority Act of 1950.
In political football parlance, Jekyll Island State Park’s future is resting on a politically charged 50 yard line, while the biggest bruisers in Georgia state government huddle on the field, ready to tackle anyone and anything that gets in the way of the goal. That goal is the awarding of a 300% return on investment to Linger Longer Communities, owned by Mercer Reynolds, the largest campaign contributor that the Republican party has probably ever seen, and one of the most successful developers of elite resort communities in the nation.
Linger Longer Communities, selected by the Jekyll Island State Park Authority as its Private Revitalization Partner, is charged with rebuilding the island’s aging convention center, erecting two new hotels, and constructing 160 condominium units which Linger Longer will sell as time share vacation rentals. The development will be on 5 acres of oceanfront land that Linger Longer will not pay a dime for, and the cut of the action for the JIA, which must remain self-sustaining, will be only 1% of the revenues, with 99%, or over $100 million, going to Linger Longer. To score this goal, the Governor has put up $50 million in general obligation bonds to cover the project’s infrastructure costs. So if no one wants to buy a time share on a South Georgia beach in January, the taxpayers of Georgia will take the hit.
Senator Jeff Chapman’s offense has been to object to this arrangement and to offer the suggestion to the JIA and his colleagues in the Senate that perhaps Linger Longer Communities, which also has right of first refusal on all future development opportunities on Jekyll Island, would settle for a smaller percentage of the profits. To hear the outcry from the local Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, which refers to Jekyll Island State Park as an “economic engine” for Glynn County, one would think that Chapman is an enemy of the people. Now Chapman has the courage to infer that the Bleakly Group’s report to the JIA might have understated the impact of doubling the density of this fragile barrier island.
I am sure that Chapman will score no points in Brunswick or with the head honchos in the Senate with this article. But he deserves cheers and applause from those of us who are in the stands, because he understands that Jekyll Island belongs to all of us. Unlike many of his colleagues and the state’s top leadership, Jeff Chapman’s actions defy personal political ambition because he seeks to do the greatest good for the people with the power that the people have entrusted to him. More power to him.
March 10th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Thank God for Mr. Chapman. My wife and I spent a weeded recently on Jekyll Island. The Club Hotel was booked solid, so we stayed at a delightful Best Western. Reasonably priced, clean, beautifully landscaped. All that would disappear with Linger Longer’s proposals. As anyone listening?
March 10th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Kudos to Sen. Chapman and Creative Loafing. I agree completely with Sen. Chapman and thank him for all his heroic efforts. Jekyll could use improvements, not a massive overhaul. What is Jekyll? It is casual, quiet, beautiful, affordable, ecologically rich. That’s what we need to preserve and protect for current and future generations. It is unique and therefore priceless that it remain so. I think this is the view of the majority and that concerned Georgians must speak up and push back rather than let Jekyll fall prey to commercial interests.
March 10th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Thank you Senator Chapman for your unrelenting efforts to expose the JIA’s attempts to fool the public into accepting a plan to giveaway one of Georgia’s best state parks to private land developers. When will the rest of our public officials wake up and start serving the majority of their constituents, who want to protect Jekyll Island from overdevelopment, instead of serving the narrow interests of the well connected?
The Bleakly study is a blatent attempt to circumvent the law and should be treated with scorn by everyone who wants Jekyll Island to remain the way it was originally promised to the people of Georgia.
March 10th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Many thanks to Creative Loafing for giving Sen. Chapman a “soapbox”. He’s telling it like it is – a bunch of good ol’ boys making sweetheart deals at the expense of average Georgians. Everyone I have talked with wants a rejuvenation of Jekyll. Build new hotels on the footprint of the ones torn down, but not 6 stories high and certainly not adding hundreds of condos. Shame on the JIA board!
March 10th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Thanks to Thomas Wheatley for continuing to spotlight Jekyll. Sen. Chapman is doing an outstanding job of trying to prevent a complete overreach by the JIA, and in the process protect GA citizens. Unfortunately, he has been attacked and ridiculed every step of the way by the JIA, pro-business-at-any-cost groups and people in his own party. He is absolutely correct about Bleakly’s study. But it’s unsurprising, considering they are the ones who conducted the JIA’s original RFP. How convenient that their study justifies the development they helped guide.
And just how much have the Reynolds donated to Sonny Perdue and Republicans around the state?
March 10th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
As winter residents and relative newcomers to JI (we have only been coming to the Island for 36 years, I guess that still makes us newcomers!) We return each year for two reasons, the beauty of the Island and the great people we meet who live year round in the Brunswick area. As an outsider I always thought that “Chicago Style” politicians were some of the slickest politicians around. Then, after reading about the exploits of the Governor, The JIA and their Good Ole Boy buddies Linger Longer, I realized that Slick “Chicago style” politicians have some real competition.
Good people of Georgia, your State Parks are an important part of your resources. Protect your resources, when they are gone, they are gone for good. When your states’ resources are used to enrich a few polically well connected individuals or groups it is an even bigger crime. Mr. Chapman, Stand tall.
March 10th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I am a permannent resident of Jekyll-I would be absolutely disgusted if this island changes!
This island does not need more hotels or businesses-like someone said before me, the people that live or visit here are looking for something special.
If not they would go to St. Simons or Hilton Head!
Please leave Jekyll alone-I recently had a hard choice to make whether or not to leave this island and I chose to stay-this is like heaven everyday! This is not something the average person realizes-My family and I have uncovered so many “Jewels” on this island-it has so much to offer-like driftwood on the northend or the bird sanctuary on the south.
March 10th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Why are the JIA and Gov. Perdue so intent on changing the density and character of Jekyll Island? Haven’t enough “real people” signaled that what we want there is a low key, low density, family type island, not the glossy, expensive resort developed mainly for the wealthy that Linger Longer seems to envision.
March 10th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
The crime rate on Jekyll Island is increasing. It is white collar political crime!
March 10th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Jekyll Island does not need to be handled by greedy people. Sure it needed some refurbishment, but this has gotten out of hand. It is a State Park, not a Dubai! Thank you Jeff Chapman for all your continued efforts!!
March 10th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
My thanks to Creative Loafing and other out of town news sources for publishing what our local daily paper refuses to print. What the local Chamber of Commerce and its news organ misses is that if Linger Longer’s contracted profits were more evenly distributed, Glynn County and its businesses would reap long term benefits. More funds would flow to individuals, businesses and local government when additional profit is put into JIA’s coffers. It can’t by law go back to Atlanta. It must stay with the JIA. The Governor can’t ‘tap’ into it. So if Linger Longer’s profit was not 99% and the citizens’ 1% – and closer to normal market trends of 25-35% to LL – the state would reap the larger market share rightly so. Added profits for JIA would help much needed preventative maintenance; beautification would flourish; more workers hired, not fired; long term planning would not be hamstrung by Linger Longer’s always given the right of first refusal for 25 years! Why has LL been given such and enormous advantage on profits and lease arrangement? Georgians should not settle for “Too long for too little”.
March 10th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I totally support Senator Chapman’s efforts to keep Jekyll Island a park for all of the people and not just the wealthy and developers wishing to make money off of state land. As a former resident of Jekyll I have had the chance to appreciate its natural beauty, wildlife and peace, beautiful dunes and beaches. It is one of the few unspoiled places on the coast where anyone can go to enjoy nature’s best without spending a lot of money. Development will ruin Jekyll forever, jeopardize the nesting bird and turtle populations and undermine the purpose for which it has been set aside for the common people. The development should be limited to the percentage set by law and should be constricted by concerns for light pollution, noise, traffic, etc. I champion Senator Chapman’s efforts to help protect this beautiful spot from overdevelopment. Sincerely, Ruth Titus
March 10th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
This year, for the 34th consecutive year, my family and I will be vacationing on Jekyll Island. In all, I believe there will be eleven of us. We are native Georgians.
The people who are falsely claiming that Jekyll Island won’t be overbuilt with the 150% increase in units must not ever go there. We, the people who love this state PARK (!!!!!!!!), know that Jekyll Island is about the only place left that is natural and uncrowded and affordable for the average Georgian. Note: By law, Jekyll Island is for the average Georgian.
As a child, I visited St. Simons. Now that St. Simons has been ruined by over-development, there is only Jekyll left.
Thanks, Senator Chapman!!! Thank heaven there is ONE Republican who understands! I’m sorry I have wasted time supporting other Republicans for about four decades. Two-party government hasn’t helped our state at all.
March 10th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I appreciate all that Sen. Chapman is doing to bring intelligent refurbishment and development to Jekyll Island. I also commend Creative Loafing for highlighting this issue.
March 10th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Thank you Jeff Chapman for carrying the flag for so many of us who want Jekyll Island State Park to stay pristine and beautiful; and thank you Creative Loafing for focusing on the misdeeds of the Jekyll Island “Authority” and FOS – Friends of Sonny who are “selling out” our children and grandchildren.
March 10th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Lord love you, Senator Chapman, because for sure our Gov and his cronies don’t. Cudos for continuing to expose the lies being fed to us by the JIA and LLC. Oh, yeah, and FYI Sonny, you’re likely to be the last ‘publican I ever vote for. Barnes was less duplicitous-at least with him you knew what you were getting, even if it wasn’t pleasant. Someone please post where to send contributions for legal action by the citizens of Georgia who own Jekyll to prevent this rape and pillage of our jewel. We know they’ve violated our trust, but surely there’s a legal challenge available to stop this sellout?
March 10th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Governor Perdue and his Jekyll Island Authority board are in a hurry to set Linger Longer up on Jekyll Island before the Governor leaves office.
This will allow the Reynolds’ family to develop anywhere they want along Jekyll Island‘s shoreline or elsewhere on Jekyll.
How are they doing this?
They’ve already made a contract with Linger Longer giving Linger Longer 25 years control of future development on Jekyll Island.
Now, they are endorsing a density study conducted by the Bleakly Advisory Group that misrepresents the total acreage of Jekyll Island (and they know it).
They also know that Jekyll Island does not have a comparable coastal area.
Jekyll Island is a State Park with a mandate that 65% of the island must remain undeveloped. By misrepresenting the total acreage they will show a greater area for their future developments.
So, what can we do? Do the people of Georgia have any legal rights to protect their state park?
We certainly can’t request help from this administration.
Maybe it will help if everyone calls the Attorney General, our lawyer, and requests a stop to all JIA board activities until an investigation is made on behalf of the people of Georgia. His telephone # is (404)-656-3300 .
His e-mail address is http://ago.georgia.gov/
I’m sure Senator Chapman would be willing to represent the people of Georgia if the Attorney General needs someone to present a case.
March 10th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Mr.Chapman:
Everyone agrees that Jekyll needs freshening up, but more development…phooey!!!Jekyll is a state park!! for heaven’s sake. My ancestors are buried there. Thank you for fighting for all of us… in Georgia… and everywhere!!!
Laura Carrico
Raleigh, NC
March 10th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Thanks Senator Jeff Chapman for your continuing efforts for us concerning Jekyll Island. And thanks to you folks doing this web site. We are so sick and tired of all the lies from our Govenor and the JIA, many of whom are developers, handpicked by the Govenor.
The JIA cries over the dwindling visitors to the island now, after letting the destruction of many of the motels and not replacing them, then in not keeping the Convention Center in repair. It seems that the JIA is the cause of the problem and you have to wonder if this is what they had in the plans all along. They have hidden or lied about so much, then when caught, they supposedly settled for less change. Or, did they just decide to lie low and do the future takeover of the island under the radar, so to say. Time will tell, but by then, it will be too late.
I imagine that the beautiful old oak trees on Jekyll will one day shade a few mansions belonging to the politicians and their “good old boy” buddies.
As for those who would ruin the island for the sake of more tax money or being financers with a finger in the pie, shame on you all. We, the people can see right through you all. Every time you
insult Jeff Chapman, you insult us too. We have a right to our opinions and feel we have a good reasons for those opinions.
March 10th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
it’s all about $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ in the words of Pete Townsend “WE WON’T GET FOOLED AGAIN”!!!!!! thanks Senator Chapman for standing up for the people!
March 10th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
KUDOS to Senator Chapman!! And SHAME on the greedy folks trying to RUIN our beautiful Jekyll Island. To those of us who have been visiting Jekyll Island ALL of our lives, so much of the appeal of this island is the gorgeous nature and LACK of the typical resort-type area. Jekyll doesn’t need all those condos, etc.etc.etc. ~ LingerLonger needs to look elsewhere to add to their bank accounts. ~ Thank you again, Senator Chapman….your efforts are greatly appreciated!! :)
March 10th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Adding my thanks to Sen. Chapman for his efforts to introduce some honesty and decency to GA state government. I only wish there were more legislators like him, and fewer whose idea of “public works” involved stripping public resources to feed the rapacious greed of their well-connected friends.
March 10th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Thank you, Senator Chapman. We desperately need more leaders like you who have the ethics and courage to represent the interests of people in Georgia, not big money. Here’s to our next Governor, whoever he or she may be, having the same courage and understanding of the purposes of the laws in place to protect Jekyll Island.
March 10th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
We are very upset with the JIA’s misrepresentation of the density per acre of the new Jekyll Island State Park. Jekyll Island belongs to the public, not to the developers.
March 10th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Having followed this issue for years now, I am amazed that the representatives of the JIA and Linger Longer are not in prison for the fraud they are perpetrating. All residents of Georgia must be ashamed of these old fashioned southern politics. Now is the time to finally support Jeff Chapman and put these crooks behind bars.
March 10th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Please support Chapman. No good will come of Linger Longer or any agency that JIA hires to do a “study” because the information is false.
They want to kick off all the renters, homeowners, storekeepers, privately owned restraunts. Even after they know the history of the island, have they not learned that NO ONE WANTS BIG BUISNESS!
I don’t even touch the beach on my island, I perfer to stay on Jekyll where it is full of nature. I would hate to have hotels, condos and shops lining the beach and taking away from the ecology that should be a priority.
STOP LINGER LONGER (an evil section of a larger evil – tobacco). Make it known Nationwide the fear of losing Jekyll to the rich! Don’t they have enough playgrounds and vacation homes lining the coasts east and west?
SAVE JEKYLL! KEEP IT THE PARK WE KNOW AND LOVE! STOP JIA AND LINGER LONGER – STOP THEM AT ALL COSTS BEFORE ALL IS LOST!
March 10th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
I find it sickening that a bunch of damn yankees are trying to ruin OUR (citizens of the state of Georgia) beautiful Jekyll Island by stretching the truth about the amount of acerage that is available for development. Maybe they should live in the marsh areas without screens and bug repelants. These damn yankees do not represent my views. They are greedy charlentans. They sound like a bunch of Madoff’s. I don’t want to be part of their ponzi scheme that they are trying to pull over the eyes of all of the people of Georgia. I find it dismaying that we do not even have the support of our Governor. He’s just as much of the problem as these damn yankees (carpet baggers). Leave OUR Jekyll Island alone. The only thing that needs replacing/undated are the hotels and motels that were built in the 1950’s. They do not need to be replaced with condos. Save that type of structure for Atlanta or places like St. Simon’s. Jekyll Island does not have the infrastructure to support these. Do these carpet baggers know or care about the state law that states 65 percent of Jekyll Island shall remain in its natural state? How can we totally replace the JIA Board. They do not speak for me or my family and do not hold the best interest in and for Jekyll Island.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
I have hated the changes JIA has made to Jekyll over the last twenty years. I think their actions to the island should be limited to the landscaping on the entry way. And why does a state park need an authority? Is this the only park that has such a thing?
March 10th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
My family and I have a small business in our town. We know how it is when the BIG people come in and want to take over everything.
I agree with Sen. Chapman. This matter needs urgent attention to stop the destruction of Jekyll Island.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
I agree totally with Sen. Chapman.
The JIA – Linger Longer project needs to be stopped. Their proposals will destroy the main reason that my husband and I come to Jeykll Island. We do not like a beach that you can’t see because of tall condos. It’s very pleasant to be able to ride the loop and not have the view of the ocean obscured by buildings.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Jekyll is such a beautiful island, any plans to develop it to the maximum are crazy! Beauty lies in nature and nature is fragile to say the least! Protecting all intrusted to us should be the foremost responsibility of everyone. Senators and Govenors can be replaced, as can roads, buildings and all man-made things. Nature is precious. Please protect that which cannot protect itself.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Yet another large corporation trying to ruin yet another beautiful spot for financial gain, pure and simple, yet, due to a small but growing grassroots movement, they have been not only thwarted, but have resorted to using phony “studies” to support their land and money grabbing. Disgusting! Linger Longer, you deserve the worst! Please support the movement to conserve one of the most beautiful, non-developed areas of coastal Georgia.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Leave it to the JIA to try to pull the wool over the eyes of Georgians. Can you tell from a map how many acres an island is? Can you tell even if you have been there? The answer in both cases is “No.” Therefore, you rely on “experts.” The JIA trots out its “experts”, the Bleakly Advisory Group. They say just what the JIA wants them to; reminiscent of the thrift crisis of the 1980s when people joked that the MAI designation following a house appraiser’s name meant “Made As Instructed.” Yes, Bleakly Advisory Group made their study as instructed, i.e., to show that Linger Longer can build. Including the marshland along the causeway is deceptive yet that is exactly how Sonny Perdue, the JIA, and Linger Longer operate. It is time that Georgians woke up. Thank you, Senator Chapman!
March 10th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
One step closer to Cumberland Island for Sonny and Casey’s “All Business All The Time” GOP cronies!
March 10th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I can’t say it better than a previous poster, but I would add politicians need to serve the public not profit from the public trust and I AM an ardent capitalist.
“The people who visit Jekyll Island do not want shopping centers, condos, and an overcrowded park. We want a quite, tranquil place to enjoy nature. Go to St. Simons or Hilton Head if you need shopping, lots of folks, and noise. The JIA should be removed from controlling this park – their approach is unacceptable!”
March 10th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
If you want the atmosphere of Jekyll total decimated then allow the Jekyll Island Authority to go forward with this ‘lame brained’ idea. I have many childhood as well as adult memories, of visiting Jekyll, riding bicycles around the perimeter of the of the island and NOT running over everyone else shoulder to shoulder……I thought that Jekyll Island was to stay affordable to the “average joe”, how is doing away with all vacant beachfront, going to do anyone (except the developers) any good?
March 10th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Just a note from your cousins in North Carolina. Jekyll is a jewel and shame on y’all who want to scrape it clean of its charm and dignity. What a really cool place you have there and you want to turn it into some clone of PC or Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach? Gag me.. Leave that island alone and let us enjoy (gasp) nature. If we want a zoo/circus/nightmare we can always go to those above mentioned “beaches”. If you must develop make it an eco/green destination (Costa Rica-like) or, better yet just leave it alone. We have enough of the circus destinations, leave an island for the rest of us who choose to re-energize with a visit to serenity…
March 10th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Thank goodness for Sen. Jeff Chapman who truly has the interest of Georgia citizens at heart! While we’ve seen the “fresh face of corruption” in Illinois … it appears that Georgia has it’s “underbelly” too. Right and justice will prevail,as I am encouraged by the many grassroots efforts to support reasonable and positive development for Jekyll … one of the last pristine beaches on the East coast. Keep pushing forward, Sen Chapman – shine a light on Linger Longer misrepresentations and Georgia Governor’s collaboration, as BOTH can be replaced.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Thank you for your informative article. I’m amazed how the JIA and it’s political partners are misrepresenting the facts. How can it be that marshland represents the land mass of Jekyll Island? This is just another example of “bloated” numbers provided by private investors and their political puppets. The proposed density numbers would blow this island apart. Is there some sort of “Pay to Play” activity going on? SAVE JEKYLL ISLAND, please!
March 10th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Thank you to Senator Chapman for looking after the people’s interest. After all, Jekyll Island belongs to the people of Georgia. All development needs to come to a halt until these issues can be worked out. And possibly removal of the JIA as well. Jekyll is too precious to sell out to developers. I can’t understand why renovating/rebuilding on the already developed areas isn’t enough. If it becomes over developed, like St. Simons and Hilton Head, it will be just another resort. The reason my family has cherished Jekyll for over 40 years is for the natural beauty and relative lack of crowds.
March 10th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
I am sitting here reading in the colder north, wearing my Jekyll Island sweatshirt, agreeing with all the comments written, and dreaming of my vacation there, just 11 days away. We have been coming there for 18 years or so, sometimes twice a year. We come to get away from crowds and commericalization. We come for the peace, wild life, and natural beauty. We come to relax and recharge. We tried Hilton Head – once – that was enough. Thank you Sen. Chapman for working to preserve our retreat. Thank you Creative Loafing for the forum. Keep up the fight!
March 10th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
These folks (the legislators pushing the Linger Longer resort, the guv and the JIA) do not respond to the people’s concerns about Jekyll. Mostly they just produce more smoke and mirrors each time they are challenged–and laugh up their sleeves. For several years, since this awful plot was hatched, there has been an enormous grassroots outcry against the pillaging of Jekyll Island, which they have steadfastly ignored and pretended did not exist. It seems the ONLY way to get their attention is to start a LEGAL ACTION FUND. Who can we send money to that will use it to fight these greedy monsters? Can a lawsuit be filed? Where is the U.S. Attorney? If ever there was a “pay for play” gambit, this is it!
March 10th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Jekyll Island is a state park. It is not supposed to be a resort packed with people. Why do we need to have more permanent residents? What other state park has permanent residents? Tybee and St Simons are already overdeveloped. Jekyll is the only other barrier island on the Georgia coast that has easy access (bridge) that the general public can use at a reasonable cost and without alot of commercialism. DON’T LET THEM OVERBUILD!
March 10th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Thank you Senator Jeff Chapman for bringing to light the misrepresentations of the JIA and Linger Longer developers. We have enjoyed staying on Jekyll for at least a week each year for many years now. It’s the non commercialized environment offered there that makes it such a refreshing place of retreat for us. Sonny Perdue has disappointed us one more time with his support of this development. Jerry Miles
March 10th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Hooray to Jeff Chapman……
My family has made Jekyll island
their vacaton home for years.
Please don’t change it except for
some updating…we love it there
and have recommended it to every
one we meet!!! AND we are from
Minnesota!! Please listen to Jeff
Chapman..he tells it as it is!!
Joy
March 10th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Thanks Senator Chapman, nice to have a politician on our side. Linger Longer as well as JIA needs to be run out of Jekyll on a rail. It’s all about money. Jekyll will lose a lot of true blue visitors if it is allowed to turn into another ST Simons. Do a face lift and tidy up but don’t turn Jekyll into a wall to wall resort. Shame on Linger Longer and JIA for their underhanded ways.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
I have been going to Jekyll since the 1950’s and the one thing that I have appreciated over the past 50 years is the island has remained virtually the same. There have been changes, to be sure, but you can still see how the island was back then. I have taken my children and now my grand children to Jekyll. You can go to Jekyll and relax and enjoy the beauty without the crowds like Hilton Head, St.Simons, etc. Improvements need to be made on Jekyll, but they should only be made by improving the hotels that already exist. The deal with Linger Longer and the Reynolds family stinks. The JIA does not represent what the people of Georgia want, need or deserve. The governor has sold out the people and the JIA has also. Jekyll Island is one of the few places left on the east coast that has not been turned into a giant high end resort. Let’s keep it that way. The underhanded deals and secret meetings are not what the people deserve. Georgia has a unique jewel in Jekyll and it shoud remain that way.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Thank you Creative Loafing for the article. We are going to lose Jekyll Island while a few people become wealthy. The JIA Board members, Governor and Vice Governor should be ashamed of the way they have allowed the truth to be slanted; how they have treated those who have tried to tell the truth; and, the greed they are displaying. The Island was deeded to all of Georgia not to those in office who are abusing their power by appointing Board members to enhance another business deal.
The Island is beautiful, natural, and affordable to the majority of the public. Once it is developed as planned, it will NEVER be returned to the Island as we know it. We must all push for an investigation into the contracts and those politically connected to the redevelopment of Jekyll Island.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Thank you Senator Chapman for all of your determination in maintaining the beauty, ecology and tranquility of Jekyll Island. It is hard to believe that the density report was so outrageously misrepresented! If anyone that has been on the island during one of the festivals knows, the island can not handle, on any type of sustained basis, the population growth proposed. Save this island.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Thanks to CL and Sen. Chapman for exposing this shameful land grab — again. Look, the “debate” over “revitalizing” Jekyll is a smokescreen. This is nothing but theft, and they’re trying to get it done before Sonny runs out of time and a new governor shuts this corrupt enterprise down.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Anyone who has visited Jekyll Island for the past 18 years, as we have, love it for its’ pristine beauty and the natural state in which it has been preserved. PLEASE quit trying to change Jekyll into another Myrtle Beach, Daytona Beach etc. We have enough of those. Lies,doubledealing and back room backstabbing should be reserved for Las Vegas. This is Jekyll, a place that was MEANT, by the original owners, to REMAIN beautiful, pristine, and LIMITED in THE DEVELOPMENT ! Please developers~~ stay away from Jekyll. It has all the major developing it needs. People come here to be close to nature, not mammon.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Thank you, thank you Senator Chapman for exposing the lies and politics that would destroy Jekyll Island. We must fight to preserve our jewel!
March 10th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Thank you to anyone who supports this great cause, and especially the senator, for promoting what is right.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
God bless Senator Chapman! I have been vacationing at Jekyll since the 1970’s, and love the tranquility and unspoiled beauty. We “plain” Georgians do not need another overbuilt, expensive mecca for the rich. If people like crowded, expensive beaches, they can go a few miles south to Florida.
It’s especially ironic that at a time when the average person is trying to cut expenses, the JIA wants to make Jekyll more expensive.
All of this skullduggery by the governor and his cohorts appears to validate the widely held belief that Republicans care only for the rich.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
For two years we have experienced the frustration of dealing with “politicians” who seem to have no real interest in preserving the unique character of Jekyll Island State Park for this state’s average family. Thankfully, Senator Chapman is the exception–he is a public servant, not a politician. Chapman is a guardian of the best interest of the real owners of Georgia’s Jewel, the people of Georgia. How can the JIA continue to get away with this lopsided deal? For over two years, they have determined their desired outcome, made slick presentations, and massaged the numbers to try and make the upscaling process attractive to the plain folk of Georgia. You can’t fool all of the people all of the time.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Once again “thank you Senator Chapman” for doing the right thing; and to Creative Loafing for publishing an article that is not rubber stamped by Gov. Perdue and his friends.
Is anyone in the Senate listening to what Sen. Chapman has to say on this subject? Gov. Perdue have you looked at the true measure of developing this GA treasure and what it will do to the future generations of GA? It’s NOT yours to develop. All JI needs is a little paint and updating of existing facilities located on the same footprints.
We don’t need Linger Longer to linger any longer in Jekyll. Go on down to FL where you can develop until your wallets are content.
Senator Chapman is a hero!!!!!
March 10th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Senator Jeff Chapman appears to me to be the only sane person in the Georgia State Government. He is doing his best to expose the shenanigans of the JIA.
When are all the attempts by the JIA to deceive the public going to stop? Governor Perdue and the JIA just won’t give up trying to orchestrate a sweetheart deal which potentially can give them much power and personal financial gain.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
The members of the JIA do not seem to understand or care that the proposed development would destroy what most people come to Jekyll to enjoy.
My wife and I have vacationed on Jekyll for over 30 years and I do not recall ever having been there when I did not see some sort of youth group gathered there for a meeting. These groups are made up of school groups, church groups and other youth organizations. The group sponsors choose Jekyll because it is clean, safe and affordable. If the proposed development goes through, I am afraid these groups will no longer be able to afford sending their young people there.
If the need for increased revenue tactic is successful at Jekyll, what is to stop this same tactic from being used to develop other state parks such as Unicoi and Vogel in the mountains?
This whole deal stinks in so many ways. I have to be careful not to climb on too high a soap box on this issue, I could go on forever. I will close with this thought. This whole deal is nothing more than an attempt to convert public property into private hands for private profit covered up with the pretty words Economic Development.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Senator Chapman is on the beam again. The Bleakley reports are just an excersize in getting the right data to make the results come out to what they want. The JIA continues to play the citizens of GA as though they clueless. So much of the report is transparent as to what they are trying to show. Linger Longer may have scaled back Phase 1, but watch out. It ain’t over. Besides, all the JIA & LLC
is to acknowledge the truth and offer a honest explanation, if they even remember how. Their MO has been to attack Sen. Chapman personally. What’s up with doing it that way, you ask. They never actually explain what they are up to.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
To Nora Sullivan:
Your last paragraph is so out of place and plain wrong!
Let’s not forget why we are here…to save Jekyll Island from the over developed plans by Linger Longer and Gov. Perdue and the government of the State of GA…democrats and republicans. This is not a political soapbox.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Thank you Creative Loafing for printing Senator Chapman’s press release. He has been the only legislator to raise his voice that I know of in this truly a David and Goliath fight.So far, Goliath is winning!
Mercer Reynolds who owns Linger Longer was the chief fundraiser for Governor Perdue.
Mr. Boshears, the only JIA board member who spoke out against the overdevelpment of Jekyll Island was replaced on the Board this year by another Governor Perdue appointment.
The grassroots group, “Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island Park” has members all over the country who want to save this unique environmental jewel from overdevelopment. They don’t oppose rejuvenating or replacing existing hotels and would like to see other reasonable upgrades to restaurants and shopping. They just don’t want to lose this precious, retreat that belongs to all Georgians. To fight the very well politically connected very well funded Linger Longer plan the “Initiative” has only contributions from members who love it and want to protect it.
People who go there want to enjoy the unspoiled beach, the wildlife, the family fun: bike rides, camping, bird watching, swimming,fishing, boat trips to watch the dolphins, touring the beautiful Jekyll Island Cottages, croquet on the lawn of the Jekyll Island Hotel and so much more.
To overdelop it would be to kill the goose who laid the golden egg….not to mention what would happen to the endangered sea turtles, the migrating birds,the maritime forests, et. al.
Wake up Georgia. This is your Island and it’s in great danger. Please….let’s save it!
Roberta Sedam, Atlanta, Georgia
March 10th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
In fudging the numbers already right at the outset, they betray a willingness to destroy the public’s trust and Jekyll Island itself. Like thousands of other visitors, I have enjoyed and returned dozens of times to an unspoiled Jekyll since the 1960’s. There is no place like it on Earth. Because it’s always been wonderful and beautiful, we want it to stay that way — always. We appreciate you, Senator Chapman, in your efforts to defend this PUBLIC land.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Thanks Jeff,
What a bunch of weasels! Let us know who votes for this so that we can then vote them out of office.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
thanks, Creative Loafing and Senator Chapman.
May the “White hats” win.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Jekyll Island is a gem! It should be kept available for all people to enjoy. The buildings that are already on Jekyll along with the sites where the hotels already were should be developed and brought up to current standards. But PLEASE don’t turn Jekyll into another Linger Longer project like the one at Lake Oconee! That would just ruin the natural beauty and appeal of the island, not to mention our kids and grandkids won’t be able to enjoy Georgia’s Best STATE PARK!
March 10th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Thanks Jeff,
For trying to stop the development weasels. Let us know who votes for this so that we can vote them out of office.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
To count precious wetlands and marshlands as part of inhabitable area is totally irresponsible by a professional organization. I assume that the Bleakly Group is a responsible organization. JIA must demand that the Bleakly Group reaccomplish the survey and this time not attempt to skew the data in favor of greater development of the state park.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
I am concerned about the information in this report. I do think facilities on Jekyll need updating, but not overdeveloped. If the amount of proposed development happens, Jekyll will no longer be the quiet and relaxing place I like to visit and nature habitats will be affected. Please let’s be reasonable with development of this precious island.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Senator Chapman has been the voice of reason in the debate about Jekyll Island’s future. The Bleakley study is yet another in a long series of lies, meant to benefit private developers at the expense of Georgia’s citizens. The Linger Longer deal is a sweetheart deal that cheats the state’s taxpayers. The only conclusion that can be drawn is that the JIA, and its supporters in the statehouse, have been bought and paid for.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
hi! my husband and I have stayed on Jekyll Island. i have seen development take over and it’s not a pretty picture! jekyll should stay in its natural state. it’s too beautiful and unique to have tons of development coming in. although, the hotels do need to be either torn down or remodeled,we also shouldn’t have the tons of condos and also put the buildings where you can’t see the beach and ocean. we saw that on St.Simons island. it’s horrible! keep like it is! thank you!
March 10th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Sen. Chapman’s “press release” was written by the Save Jekyll people and you all are a bunch of fools for believing their lies and following their orders to post here.
The Jekyll Island Authority is doing the right thing by redeveloping the old hotels (except the historic hotel) and the conference center that were all built over 30 years ago!
Nothing new has been built there in over 30 years! Let the construction begin, we need business in the area. We are losing jobs while Chapman does nothing.
March 10th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
I agree with the above comments and am so thankful to Mr. Chapman and also Creative Loafing for standing up to protect one of the greatest natural treasures we have. I’ve been following this for a while and am totally disgusted that there is such little support for doing what is right. Jekyll doesn’t need commercialization and building. Yes, it could use a facelift of existing structures but don’t take away the the natural beauty, fauna and flora of such a pristine, beautiful place. It’s a barrier island and is subject to the forces of nature so the Jekyll of today may not be the Jekyll of tomorrow. Jekyll is a state park for the people of GA, lets leave it alone! We’re not so worried about commercializing other state parks, why this one except that it will financially benefit a few individuals. Let’s not use it to profit a few individuals but rather let it remain natural that everyone can enjoy and not an exclusive playground enjoyed by only a few.
March 10th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Thank you Creative Loafing for helping to get the message out. The situation on Jekyll Island seems to go from bad to worse. Jeff Chapman hs consistently represented an accurate picture of the situation on the Island. Every time Jeff Chapman speaks out they try to discredit him as a dodge to the facts of the situation. The part that is so disheartening is that nothing seems to be able to stop the process. Why has there not been an investigation of the allegations of the misconduct and frankly illegal activities of the JIA. The Bleakly report is a flawed report from the start. When the people are given the chance to speak by way of the ballot or through public forums they overwhelming say stop the destruction and over development of our state park and our public lands. The governor, his appointees, the developers and the polical financiers need to be stopped. Listen to the people and save Jekyll Island.
March 10th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
I wholeheartedly agree with Senator Chapman. The Bleakly Advisory Group and the JIA are deliberately trying to mislead the public. As Sen. Chapman stated, by law only 35% of the island can be developed. Only that 35% should have been used as a basis for the study not the entire island. If plans go as JIA hopes they will, Jekyll Island will become as bad as Destin, Florida or any other resort city where there are wall-to-wall people, extremely heavy crowds at all available venues, heavy pollution, traffic jams, etc.
My family has been visiting Jekyll Island since the 80s. We have stayed on Jekyll 24 of the last 29 years. We love it because it is not the crowded mess other resort areas are. It is a very special place and we hope it will continue to be so in the future. I have always been suspicious of the JIA. They held just too much power. I sincerely hope JIA doesn’t succeed in letting any development company ruin our wonderful island. It is a paradise that is not exclusive but open to anyone to enjoy. It is one of the few vacation spots that is affordable for average income people. I’ll grant that the Island has been needing improving for many years but it doesn’t have to be a be-all-end-all type of place. Jekyll is a unique place, a laid-back, get-away-from-it-all, slow-paced, can’t-wait-to-return kind of place. I want it to stay that way.
When I come over the bridge and get my first good look at Jekyll Island it is like coming home. I really hope that will be the case for a very long time to come.
Thank you, Senator Chapman, for all your hard work and efforts to save Jekyll Island. I really appreciate it.
A Jekyll Island lover from
Louisville, Kentucky
March 10th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Applause and support for Senator Jeff Chapman. Please do not let this unique and serene island fall into the hands of a huge developer with only interest of monetary gain. The island needs refubrishment including shopping area, motels, convention center and re-surfacing parking lots for beach goers. The fishing pier is a disgrace that should have been maintained for the purpose for which it was constructed. This island doesn’t need to convert to a St. Simmons or other large beach attraction. Please keep it simple and maintain as a state park for the majority of State and out-of-State visitors. Wakeup and do the right thing. Again thank you Senator Chapman.
March 10th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Governor Perdue and the Jekyll Island Authority have received ample enough comments to know that the people of Georgia are opposed to their ideas of what is needed to adequately upgrade the visitor facilities on Jekyll Island.
Who does the Authority think they are kidding? Theirs is nothing but an attempt to financially feather the nest of their political cronies at the expense of Georgia citizens – who, by the way, Governor Perdue, are also Georgia voters.
The beauty of Jekyll Island is that it is not developed in the manner that the governor, the Jekyll Island Authority and their chosen developers, the Linger Longer Corporation, want it to be.
Let’s keep it that way.
You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.
March 10th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Thanks Jeff…please disclose who votes for what….this is a huge issue to the state of GA, whether most of us realize it or not.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
I am appalled that our State Government, and the JIA, can not get past the vision of dollar signs in their focus, and look to other ways for creating revenue in our state without exploiting our natural areas. Like my Daddy always said you can’t create land. Developing Jekyll Island will be just another overpopulated, noisy, party spot, that turns Georgia residents towards the Florida Gulf Coast to enjoy their dreams of a quiet, relaxing vacation spot. I, for one, look for some place that remains quiet, friendly, and enjoyable, and Jekyll Island has been the choice for our family in the state of Georgia. Now if these grandiose plans of our State politicians happen to take away from that (which it seems very clear that it would), we will just have to take our Georgia dollars to Florida, while our politicians sit around & hope that this project brings them the revenue that they were hoping for. Think about it folks, you already have a good thing, and you shouldn’t ruin it!
March 10th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
I visit Jekyll Island every year for various activities and to enjoy the wild life. It is ludicrous to think that a population of 15,000 or more is not going to affect the island. It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that Jekyll is a small island (7 miles long & 1.5 miles wide) and the more people on the island, the more the island is going to be harmed. I am insulted that Senator Chapman assumes that the general populace is so ignorant that we can’t understand such a simple relationship. I am also insulted that it is persumed that the public does not understand that the main motivation to increase development on the island is money with no regard of the long term effect on the enviroment, its people and visitors.
March 11th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Jekyll Island will never be the same once it is developed how some forces want to change it. There are plenty of developed beaches, but you can’t go back if Jekyll becomes over developed
March 11th, 2009 at 12:45 am
The Jekyll Island Authority has a lot of explaining to do. They hired a company that wrote a report that says that the acreage of Jekyll Island has doubled. This figure is twice the acreage that the JIA has quoted on record. Then the JIA accepted the company’s report as fact. Yeah, right. Don’t act dumb and don’t take us for idiots. The revitialzation plans for Jekyll aren’t for the good of the island or for the good of the people of Georgia. These plans are being made so that private companies are going to make large profits at the expense of the people of Georgia and the island that the people of Georgia love.
Senator Chapman has concerns because just like the report is misrepresenting the truth and is way out of line so is the truth about who is going to benefit from the revitalization of the the island. All one has to do is follow the money to find out who will end up profiting the most. Who is getting the “Sweetheart Deals?” Hint–it’s not the people of Georgia. They are losing one of Georgia’s most precious assets for a fraction of what it is worth.
Senator Chapman thank you for being brave enough to stand up for Jekyll Island and the people of Georgia. Only a few who should be following your lead can break away from their old ways and go against the “powers that be.” I hope that more of our representives will follow you and do the right thing before it is too late.
March 11th, 2009 at 1:32 am
It’s nice that we have at least one person in the state Senate who apparently is not a crook.
I’m sure the people that have a pecuniary interest in the “redevelopment” of Jekyll are going to pull out all the stops to get rid of Senator Chapman.
When Jekyll first opened to the public, they used to put a sticker on your bumper if you parked at the public beach that proclaimed Jekyll “The Poor Man’s Playground.” Maybe they can revive and revise that to “The Crowded, Ruined, Rich Man’s Playground.”
March 11th, 2009 at 2:00 am
I was born in another country. I visited Jekyll Island and I can say this is a beautiful place and I fell in love, I don’t wanna changes.
March 11th, 2009 at 3:32 am
We really hope that proper consideration will be given to the use of Jekyll Island. It needs not to be overly developed. John Bacon.
March 11th, 2009 at 5:07 am
What else would you expect from a board appointed by the worst governor Georgia has had in many, many decades – and that includes Lestor Maddox.
It is beyond comprehension that greed out weighs quality of life in this arena, too.
March 11th, 2009 at 5:11 am
Jeff,
My grandparents were involved in everything there was on Jekyll in the 1970’s, they loved the sea turtles, and owned a home there. Granddad was also an attorney in Brunswick, and a friend and neighbor of Sen. Boshears.
I would do them a great disservice not to sound off about this disgusting tragedy called Linger Longer. These are a bunch of “good-ol’ boys” who only see dollar signs, but not laid-back beauty.
I DO NOT WANT to see overpriced condo’s nor high-priced hotels and new stores. I want things just like they are now…maybe with a little fresh paint or a fixer-upper here and there. New is not always better.
I actually want to see Bambi and friends enjoying the place as much as I do. “The Big City” doesn’t offer that. I come to Jekyll to get away from “big city” life, not to bring it with me.
A BETTER IDEA would be to revitalize Brunswick proper. Put the pricy hotels THERE, goodness knows the city needs the revenue.
Finally, the big thing that killed tourism was $4.00+ per gallon gasoline, not a lack of desire for Jekyll.
March 11th, 2009 at 5:40 am
I agree with all the comments here in support of Jekyll Island. I visit or stay on Jekyll at least twice a year. I will probably not be able to afford to stay with the new plans, and I may not want to if it becomes just another overdeveloped island. Thank you for keeping us informed Senator Chapman!
March 11th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Thanks for your article on Jekyll Island and the maleficence of the actions of the JIA regarding our public owned land. We need to have our legislators investigate the J.I. Conservation Plan and the 25 year Revitilization Plan with Linger Longer. The island’s unspoiled natural environment must not be destroyed.
March 11th, 2009 at 6:08 am
God bless Jeff Chapman! Wish we had more like him.
After vacationing on Jekyll for over 20 yrs. I moved my family over 700 miles to be closer to my island. Thats right, my island and the island for ever person who has ever stepped foot there.
Shame on the good ole boy network who must have got top honors in Chicago politics 101.
Thank you Jeff Chapman for remembering and caring that Jekyll Island is a state park,not a place were corrupt politicians repay favors.
March 11th, 2009 at 6:18 am
Senator Chapman is actually looking out for the interests of the people of Jekyll Island and Georgia. I wish the JIA would do the same. As a frequent visitor who lives nearby, I would love to see the redevelopment plans scaled down. Jekyll is a gem. Let’s keep it that way.
March 11th, 2009 at 6:51 am
I sincerely hope that we the citizens of GA don’t let JIA and Linger Longer ruin Jekyll for our future generations. Jekyll is such a unique place. I applaud Jeff Chapman for his diligence on this issue. If we don’t hold JIA accountable for the facts, we will squander our most unique coastal legacy to developers who are only interested in making money from it. There is no “reset button” and once it’s gone it’s gone for good. Remember that the State of GA is not going to share in the profit made from the development.
We should also consider that if JIA is wrong about the acreage of the island we have intrusted to it then what else are they wrong about?
March 11th, 2009 at 7:01 am
I am so sick and tired of these lies and politics. If I was in charge I would reform the JIA entirely, get rid of all those corrupt politicians and start over. Ban Linger Longer from setting foot on Jekyll since they seem determined to ruin it, and do what the people want: restore what’s there. We have spoken out on several occasions that this is what we want to happen. No new development. Just renovate the neglected establishments that already exist. Modernize the look and Jekyll will be beautiful once again.
March 11th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Mark Hause (above) made a great point that I think deserves to be restated:
“…the big thing that killed tourism was $4/gal gasoline, not a lack of desire for Jekyll.”
March 11th, 2009 at 7:13 am
As citizens and taxpayers who enjoy Jekyll Island for the uniqueness it provides, we need to stand up NOW and be vocal about how the JIA and Linger Longer are misleading people and (let’s be honest) cutting deals with some politicians! Call your GA representatives now and write your local media. Remember: once Jekyll is over-developed, it can NEVER go back.
March 11th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Thank you Jeff Chapman for working for what is right.
Jekyll Island, by law, belongs to the people and they are being ignored by the politicians and those whom they have hired to facilitate their financial gain.
We have followed this struggle to protect Jekyll week by week, month by month.We are appalled by the political shenanigans and wrote as much a year ago in the ACJ.
My family has been coming to Jekyll from the Northeast since my father “discovered” it in the 70’s. While he died here, we always felt that the beauty and tranquility of the Island and the beach on which he walked every day for many winters even when he was ill, sustained his health and spirit.
Whenever we talk about Jekyll and recoommend it to friends back home, the first thing we mention is its unspoiled character (unlike St. Simons) and the covenant made with the people to keep it open and affordable,to protect it from development, to maintain its beauty and tranquility and protect the animals such as the sea turtles, sea birds and alligators. Whenever we cross the causeway we breathe deeply and know we have come home.
This struggle for what is “right” has surely gone on long enough and it seems clear that our adversaries are determined to wear down those of us who care about Jekyll. Thank you Senator and others who are working so hard to protect our Jewel for staying the course with your vision and wisdom. It would appear it is time to call for another (Independent) survey of the Island and its resources by someone who has been agreed upon by both sides as competent, and above being “bought.” Anyone who KNOWS Jekyll can see the Bleakey Report is either in error in its numbers or like JIA has “cooked” the numbers to fulfill the politicians objectives.
We all agree Jekyll’s facilities need some refurbishing. But the Island needs protecting from the money-mad human predators:politicians and developers who have to lie and cover up to make a profit.
It sickens us to see the Island in danger of being ruined and Georgia citizens being robbed of what is by law theirs. As people from away, we will take our vacation dollars elsewhere.
But, please Senator Chapman and others who have uncovered the gross dishonesty of the politicans, developers and JIA, please, continue to work to protect “our” island.
March 11th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Senator Chapman’s article exposes just how far the JIA will go to justify giving away a valuable public resource. The process has been corrupt from the very start and needs to be halted until a complete investigation is done and a more reasonable approach is instituted.
jon
March 11th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Kudos Senator Chapman!!!! and many thanks for stating the obvious.
As yearly visitors to Jekyll we have been following the Island’s “improvements”?? and have been suspect of JIA & Linger Longer.
Destruction of Jekyll Island should not be “collateral damage” left in the wake of their money making schemes.
Shame on them! ..the politicians, and all who have been part! Their behavior is a disgrace to the positions the have been trusted with!
Renee’ Klaproth
Georgia resident & tax payer.
March 11th, 2009 at 7:35 am
That anyone would sink a dime into Jekyll amazes me… This “idyllic” park is no park at all, but a series of run-down 1950’s and 60’s motels and ranch-style homes. The only people that would think otherwise have either never been there or are pushing a different agenda
March 11th, 2009 at 7:47 am
As a college professor who taught composition and argument for years,I recognize blanket generalizations and assertions lacking meaningful documentation, which is what we see again from the supporters of Jekyll Island development. What can we do when a small group with a vested interest in exaggerating the safety of human development on a small, ecologicaly fragile island? Speak up clearly and often for limited development. Be aware of our surroundings.
St Simons stake-holder,
Rebecca Butler
March 11th, 2009 at 8:05 am
I applaud Senator Chapman’s honesty about the JIA attempts to ram their dollar bloated daydreams down Georgians throats.
Jekyll is for all Georgians and not the wealthy few represented by Linger Longer.
We Georgians deserve honest and thoughtful representation such as Senator Chapman’s and less outright LIES from Perdue and Cagle.
Hey Sonny – whatever happened to all that business from Spain you were courting while we were without gasoline over the summer of 2008?
March 11th, 2009 at 8:15 am
It is incomprehensible that there has not been a committee appointed by the Attorney General to look into these obvious discrepancies. Governor Perdue and his cronies – the JIA and Mercer Reynolds, among others – should be thoroughly investigated to find out just exactly what benefit they derive from the agreement between the JIA and Linger Longer. Is Sonny pulling stunts like the former Governor of Illinois?
March 11th, 2009 at 8:22 am
The Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) continues to misrepresent the facts. If you say the Island includes the causeway, why not let them build on the causeway entrance, near the bridge and only allow responsible development on the Island itself. Senator Jeff Chapman must have a strong stomach to put up with the fact that the JIA is working on behalf of Linger Longer, a for profit development firm, with a 99% profit margin, rather that preserving Jekyll Island for future generations.
March 11th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Jekyll should be left as is. No additional development is needed.
March 11th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Thank goodness Senator Chapman is willing to tell the truth and let the tax payers know what is actually happening. It is a shame what the JIA is trying to do to this wonderful state park at the taxpayer’s expense.
March 11th, 2009 at 8:49 am
For years we have enjoyed the beauty of tranquility
of Jekyll Island. It is
very disappointing that we
in the State of Georgia are going to loose one of
the most beautiful natural
vacation locations for our
own people. Our children
loved it there as we took
family vacations each year. One daughter was
married there. Think some
more before you make this mistake!
March 11th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Hurray for Jeff Chapman. Its nice to know there is ONE honest man in the Georgia legislature. Jekyll has been my winter home for over five years, but if this redevelopment plan goes through, not only am I gone, but so are all the “plain folks” who have cone to enjoy THEIR OWN PARK. We won’t be able to afford it anymore, plus the beauty and attraction will be destroyed, so why come if you can’t enjoy the peace, safety and solitude (not to mention the beauty), anymore.
March 11th, 2009 at 8:55 am
I am so proud to say the name of Jeff Chapman, who is trying so hard to save our island, and so disgusted with the money-grabbing developers and their legislative helpers who care neither for the island, the people and especially the LAW! Please someone, Save our Jekyll Island
March 11th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Thank You Senator Chapman for making this a public issue. Today, Jeykll Island is a wonderful family vacation destination, futher development would ruin what makes Jeykll Island special.
March 11th, 2009 at 9:12 am
A big THANK YOU to Jeff Chapman. His honesty and determination to expose the truth about the Jekyll Island Giveaway Scam is nothing short of heroic!!I’m a real estate agent, I love development but Jekyll is off limits!!Rebuild what has been torn down and leave it alone Sonny!!
March 11th, 2009 at 9:17 am
To poach a line from Bob Dylan, you don’t have to be a weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing. If you look at the blatantly rigged Bleakly density study and the stunningly unfavorable agreement that the Jekyll Island Authority accepted from Linger Longer Communities as a package, it’s hard to quell the suspicion that the Authority will be casting a covetous eye one of these days at the 65% of the island that’s now off limits to development. That’ll happen when the Authority discovers that the deals it struck with its private development partners don’t generate the revenue it says it needs to refurbish and maintain the island’s facilities. What we’ll hear from the Authority at that point is that it needs still more development in order to reach its revenue goals. And when it has maxed out the 35% of the island available for development, the bogus Bleakly density study will be available to grease the skids for the invasion of the currently protected 65% no-development zone. I hope I’m wrong about this, but I’m not counting on it.
March 11th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Thank you Creative Loafing and thank you Senator Chapman for drawing attention to this issue. The study that has been performed is seriously flawed. When you take into account the wetlands of Jekyll and the land that cannot be developed by law, then the amount of development in this plan would make Jekyll Island more densely populated than any of the islands mentioned in the study!
March 11th, 2009 at 9:49 am
You’ve got to be kidding me…the Bleakly Group is at it again with more misrepresentations regarding Jekyll Island. Come on…..marshland is now being considered part of the density study, what a joke!!!!!At this rate, they will probably include the sandbar at low tide!!
How do we keep them honest? I invite everyone to contact the Attorney General’s office at (404)-656-3000 to voice your concerns about the questionable decisions of Governor Perdue’s appointed Jekyll Island Authority board.
Also, please contact Senator Jeff Chapman and thank him for all of his efforts in trying to Save Jekyll Island from over development. He is certainly on the side of the people of Georgia and not any “Special Interest” groups.
March 11th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Reasons why Jekyll shouldn’t be developed?Just look at pictures of Panama City beach 1972.It used to be so nice there.NO STATE PARK should be sold,developed or changed by anyone but the voters of the state which it belongs.Jekyll,if developed, would set a precedent that developers would use to ruin every state park,wildlife management area in Georgia.
March 11th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Thank you Senator Chapman for speaking up again and again for those of us who love Jekyll for what it is and not what they are trying to make it. No doubt the Blakely density study is way flawed. Don’t let them get away with this. It will just be another Myrtle Beach with wall to wall people and no place to take a quiet walk on the beach. Keep up the good works and like one other comment said “let the white hats win”.
March 11th, 2009 at 9:54 am
I have never been one to like fights nor try to encourage fights. But this time I feel as no choice has been given to me but to do so. To fight for an island that has meant so much to me and my family. Jekyll Island is a true jewel which explains why so many thieves are after her. Let us fight to protect what belongs to us hard working citizens of Georgia.Please lets not put a flaw in something so rare. Keep Jekyll Island our gem flawless. Thank you Sen.Chapman and all who continue to do what is just and right in a state that seems to be full of bad politicians(thieves).
March 11th, 2009 at 10:00 am
http://www.thebrunswicknews.com/open_access/local_news/bid-KK
Check this out: the JIA has now hired the company that designed the Palm Tree Island in Dubai, United Arab Emerirates, to design the new (but utterly unnecessary) convention complex to support the Linger Longer resort on Jekyll.
March 11th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Once again it all about MONEY !!! And who cares about our wildlife. Thats right just toss that aside and let’s make MONEY. We are the keepers of this planet and its up to us to take care of it. If we don’t, it will be taken away from us . Its just that simple. I Support you Senator Chapman !! If I have my way Sonny Perdue will not get re-elected. He’s an IDIOT.
March 11th, 2009 at 10:06 am
03/11/2009-11:00 am
Dear Sirs:
Do you really trust any devolper? Look at the dishonesty in Georgia’s Sonny Purdue!
He slipped in ” Amendment Three”, last year that was called, the “Green Space Amendment”. Truth is that the thing gave large landowners great tax breaks with the Homestead Exemption applying to them. It was a falsly labeled ammendment! A lie is a lie!
You might want to check out the amendment numbered “One”. Seems that Sonny and his pals slipped one in there too.
I suspect that Sonny is much richer now than when he went into office. $225 million dollar loans with little collateral. Sweet! A special tax break for him passed after he was elected, Sweet!
Sonny is in this with his cronies, are you really surprised?
Knock off the Jed Clampett act Sonny, your at vile and nasty as they get!
Russ Hill
March 11th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Why can’t these people understand that we visit Jekyll Island because of the way it is NOW. We don’t want St. Simons or Hilton Head, otherwise we would go there! Thank you Senator Chapman for all of your efforts.
Why does everybody think condos are the answer? Why doesn’t the JIA put more of their efforts in other areas to generate revenue? Why does the JIA even need Linger Longer, can’t they do the job they have been appointed to do? I think the JIA is actually trying to do things to discourage visitation in order to make all the development necessary.
March 11th, 2009 at 10:21 am
I hope that Senator Chapman and the majority of the people of Georgia will prevail and SAVE THE ISLAND from excess and poorly planned development.
March 11th, 2009 at 10:46 am
The state of Georgia has such a unique and beautiful place in Jekyll Island State Park. There has been an incredible lack of accuracy and transparency in everything that the Jekyll Island Authority and the developers have presented. The legislature needs to step in and rescue this island for the citizens of Georgia and for their grandchildren.
March 11th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Senator Chapman is to be highly commended for persisting in trying to save Jekyll Island from JIA’s irresponsible shenanigans and from greedy developers such as LLC aiming to change this beautiful, natural treasure into a cookie cutter beach resort. There are many beach resorts already for people to go to if that is what they seek — one more such is not needed, especially when it means the destruction of something so beautiful and unique as Jekyll Island.
The infamous Bleakley report should be immediately discarded for its gross misrepresentation and falsehoods. LLC’s contract with JIA should be nullified for its misguided and profit-oriented development plans that would destroy the people’s state park and Georgia’s jewel. And finally, if the Governor and/or the Attorney General have any integrity at all, JIA itself should be removed from its position of authority and responsibility that it has repeatedly violated.
If they are not stopped NOW, what JIA and LLC plan for Jekyll Island will destroy what is so unique about this amazing state park – it will put an end to what thousands of visitors and the people of Georgia love about Jekyll Island, and have voiced repeatedly to JIA for the past several years. The planned development would totally destroy this fragile barrier island, its peace and tranquility, and its magical wildlife.
Let us do all we can to stop JIA and LLC from moving forward with their selfish and irresponsible plans. Let us save Jekyll Island NOW!
(Please support Sen. Chapman, the only politician who cares about Jekyll Island. Thanks also to Creative Loafing for helping Sen. Chapman in his efforts.)
March 11th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Thanks to Sen. Jeff Chapman for keeping the public informed regarding what the Jekyll Island Authority’s (JIA) actual build-out plans are for Jekyll Island. Trying to read the Bleakley Advisory Group’s (BAG) report requires skill in deciphering smoke and mirrors logic, so it is helpful to have a clear statement of the facts.
Sen. Chapman’s explanation of what the report means begs the question of who is going to buy, rent, or book lodging in what is built on the marsh. Given that 65% of the “hard” land on the island proper must remain undeveloped, all the proposed buildings certainly cannot go there!
I, for one, do not wish to vacation on a marsh or maneuver through a canyon of tall buildings whose real raison d’etre is profit for LLC.
Susan L. DeHoff
March 11th, 2009 at 11:20 am
I love the natural beauty of Jekyll Island. Could it use “improvements/updating”? Sure, some would be nice, but work with what is already in existence on the island. Developers should have to build or renovate on existing lots before permits for new ones are issued. Building new stuff will not make the older, dated stuff look better and more attractive. It will only make it look more dated and keep visitors away from those properties.
Does every patch of undeveloped land in the state have to be cleared and developed?
Few seem to have any understanding or appreciation of natural land and natural beauty.
I hope the press really keeps this in the public eye and consciousness.
Thanks, Creative Loafing for bring this to the public’s attention.
March 11th, 2009 at 11:24 am
I am ANGRY on behalf of all on Jekyll and the people of Georgia who deserve better from their elected officials as well as the appointed ones. I think the JIA should be elected instead of appointed. What qualifications and credentials do these people have for this job? Just political cronyism?? As someone who visited Georgia when my husband was involved in bringing a manufacturing facility to your state, I fell in love with both Georgia and its’ people. When we discovered Jekyll, we were amazed. No other place is so unique and laid back in the ways of Jekyll. It is a return to civility and the values of yesteryear. Rare to find anywhere else. Why ruin a good thing just for dollars which actually do not exist according to the agreement currently on the table. It is TIME to reassess what has happened and find the honesty and integrity to formulate a new design needed for this time!
Why would the political maneuverings of the JIA continue to be so blatant and so dishonest? What is behind all of this ‘giving over of Jekyll’ to Linger Longer. Is there some kind of blackmail going on here? What kind of payoffs have been made under the table so as to keep this going despite the protests and the obvious disregard for the laws governing Jekyll?
Why do the people of Georgia and paticularly those who live on Jekyll and/or stay there regularly have their petitions and protests ignored by JIA and those in power over the JIA.
Isn’t it time for a change of that governing body? Isn’t it possible to mount a recall petition concerning these individuals who are so oblivious to facts and figures that are honest?
I am mortified to see that all the efforts of honest people seem to be continuously ignored. Even those in Georgia who have been elected by the people are having great difficulty being heard. At this time when our country is in such dire straits economically, where will all this money come from for what is to supposedly to be done? Who actually is involved in Linger Longer and what ties might they have throughout Georgia?
So much for my ramblings. I pray for Jekyll and for you both that the outcome may be the right and one with integrity. Julie Simmons
March 11th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I am very greatful that someone in a postion of power and with integrity is looking out for Jekyll Island and defending against those who have some power and clearly no integrity… best case, they are unfit for their jobs if they did not point out the errors in the study they are citing, and worst case they are completely aware of the flaws and are hoping the rest of us will fall for it… and thanks to Senator Chapman for not letting them get away with their misrepresentation.
March 11th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
One of the last vestiges of natural coastal beauty in Georgia is slowly eroding into the sea of disgusting, putrid, vile, commercial sprawl. We are constantly inundated with the most insane bombardment of advertising and commercialism that we find ourselves, now, financially, morally, and spiritually bankrupt as we sell our jobs into foreign slavery. Our only hope is consistent and determined personal responsibility. We must realize that there are no victims in our circumstances… Not even those of us who love Jekyll Island. Who of us explored with sincerity and thoroughness the backgrounds of those we’ve haphazardly elected? Who of us has taken the time to keep on ongoing line of communication with our elected officials with the persistent and consistent message that we intend on holding them accountable to their electorate? Jekyll Island is just a symptom of our own disease of irresponsible behavior that has persisted for decades. We will find our salvation when we decide to take full responsibility for the things we hold dear in life and keep an ever-present awareness of how our actions and non-actions affect every aspect of our lives.
March 11th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
I can only hope that cooler heads will prevail so that the beauty of Jekyll Island can be retained for others to enjoy. Our family has come to Jekyll Island for over 30 yrs., and one of the reasons that kept bringing us back was the uncrowded beaches and the beautiful natural areas. I can only hope that it will not become another overbuilt, crowded Myrtle Beach where there is no space to spread out and just enjoy the peace and quiet of an island destination.
March 11th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Some georgians take a vacation to enjoy a little bit of nature along with their comforts, others like a little bit of comfort while they enjoy nature. Those in the first category have many vacationing spots along the coast to choose from, those in the second have only Jekyll. Without any intervention by the government or encouragement from environmentalists, over the past 40 years Jekyll has become the perfect place for all types of families to teach their children an appreciation of our natural resources without special assistance or roughing it on a camping trip. Why elimiate such a beautiful thing for the sake of another buck, Mr Purdue?
It is said that the one with the most toys at the end of the game wins, but has anyone ever stopped to consider whether that game was really worth winning?
Thanks for playing and winning at a better game Jeff Chapman-
March 11th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Thanks, Senator chapman, for exposing the Bleakly report for what it is, a shameless lie. You always create your own reality if you make up your own statistics-exactly what Bleakly and the JIA have done.
March 11th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
We write in support of Senator Chapman’s recent plea for the preservation of Jekyll Island as a state park for all Georgians, remaining as it is dictated by law, 65% in its natural state. The beauty of the island lies in its natural state, the peace and quiet, the flora and fauna thriving in a variety of habitats. The facilities available for visitors should be clean and safe and reasonably priced, but they should disappear in the background, not compete with the islands natural beauty. More Congressmen and Senators need to stand up and protect a state park that cannot be replaced. It is undeniably clear that the people of Georgia ask you to save this jewel. Please do not sell out. Thank you.
March 11th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Building up that island will destroy its character and uniqueness. That’s the only reason me and my family come to Jekyll nearly every summer. We come from Florida, California,and Virginia to a quit, serene area where we can relax. Don’t allow Jekyll to become the sprall that has made some other urban areas of Atlanta a growing cancer of asphalt and concrete. We are holding off on reservations until we know what is going on. If any development is passed, we will pass on vacationing in Georgia…period.
March 11th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Enough! Jekyll Island is a state park! Those who want a deluxe resort have a lot of other choices! Most Georgians want Jekyll to remain low key and only updated. I know that’s certainly what I want. Please rid us of Linger Longer.
March 11th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
The Jekyll Island Authority’s actions are an abuse of the public trust. How can they be stopped?
March 11th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
If this is true, shame on the JIA for relying on such misinformation. Admittedly, Jekyll needs a revitalization and modernization of its hotels, retail and restaurant establishments, and convention center but not to the tune of the development described in Senator Chapman’s op ed. If the JIA members envision a densely developed coast for Georgians to experience, then encourage them to go to St. Simon.
March 11th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
thank you senate for trying to save jekyll island. most politician do not care about this precious island. we need to save this pristine paradise. what is wrong with the people who are for development are they that greedy that they can not help to save our island? i applaude the Senate in trying to save it. he needs all the support he can get it and he has our support. we have been visiting jekyll island for 25 years. it is dear to heart. Again, I send my personal thanks to the Senate in his heart felt desire to save JI. God be with you.
March 11th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
It is inconceivable to me that the very group whose job should be to uphold the intent of the law to preserve Jekyll Island for the ordinary citizens of Georgia should once again use deception to move forward on their plan to give away this coastal jewel to a politically well-connected upscale development group. Ask yourself some questions. Why would the Jekyll Island Authority endorse a study which is misleading? Why would they make a deal with Linger Longer which will cost the tax payers so much and which will require so little from the developer in return? Why are they still trying to steam roll this deal over the objections of so many Georgians and others from all over the world who oppose it?
March 11th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
JEKYLL ISLAND IS A VERY SPECIAL VACATION AREA. IT DOES NEED SOME MODIFICATION, BUT THE MAIN BEAUTY OF THE AREA IS ITS NATURAL BEAUTY. INCREASING THE NUMBER OF HOUSES ALLOWED WILL DESTROY THAT SPECIAL FEATURE AND DETRACT FROM ITS VACATION POTENTIAL!!
March 11th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Well I’m not defending Sen. Chapman on this one. As a resident of Glynn County I have seen Jekyll Island fall far below it’s name “Georgia’s Jewel”. There is nothing there for anyone to do, or even nice accomidations, resturants etc. I enjoy taking the family over to Jekyll Island, but now I have no reason cause there’s nothing over there. Please let Linger Longer invest their money not state tax money to enhance the island. If you want a nature park then move everybody off the island and make it an animal sanctuary. Jekyll is in desperate need of some revitalization so that people, conventions and money will return to the island.
March 11th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
The Jekyll Island Authority is working hard to give Linger Longer a sweetheart deal to turn Georgia’s only barrier island state park into an “exclusive” development community. Thanks to Senator Chapman for asking JIA to account for questionable features of the deal that would funnel unusually high profits to the developer, away from the state.
We can’t count on a developer to have the best interests of Georgia at heart. Sen. Chapman is asking intelligent questions about a deal that sounds like a “real economic stimulus” for Linger Longer and its backers, not for Georgia taxpayers.
March 11th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
BRAVO, Sen. Chapman. Keep up the good work and don’t let the money grabbing developers win. They put a price on sunrises and nature and all the beauty of Jekyll.
March 11th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
I despise the people who are attempting to ruin Jekyll Island. Why can’t they understand that not everyone wants a huge resort or a “destination”. Most people who go to Jekyll go simply for the peace and quiet and natural surroundings. Please help the people of Georgia realize that one of their most precious resources will soon be lost to greed and avarice if they do not speak up.
March 11th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Please, please do not ruin Jekyll with over development. How sad that we do not respect our environment!
March 11th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Never blogged before, but this is worth commenting on. My husband and I stumbled upon Jekyll Island almost 20 years ago, and “once our feet touched the sands of Jekyll,” we’ll always come back – but leave it a precious gem! Underdeveloped and pristine, unique and unglamorous in its beauty, IT’S PERFECT!!!!! We drive down from Ohio as often as we can (not often enough), and it’s the one place we’ve found peace and enjoy family bonding, and it’s “untouristy” enough to be slightly wanting on the eatery side, but we’re glad, because we still feel like we’ve got a little piece of heaven, not exploited and over commercialized. JIA: don’t sell out your souls. We love your little island for its slightly “less than” atmosphere. Sometimes, more is better! Keep fighting the good fight, Mr. Chapman!
March 11th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
I want to say that I visited Jekyll Island a few years ago and found it to be a refreshing change of pace from the crowds found on the rest of the beaches on the east coast. Aren’t there enough areas to build on? If Jekyll Island was designated as a State Park, it should remain as such. Please help us to preserve the beauty of the island!
March 11th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Please treat this island with great care. If I were given a home on other popuar islands, I would sell it to someone who didn’t know better. I would spend my weallth by supporting serene places like Jekyll.When I want to get away, I am looking for solitude. I have had locals on St.Simons blow their horn because I was doing the speed limit. I come to Jekyll almost every year. I came back from Orlando and stopped off at Jekyll just to smell the salt. I stood listening to the rush of the waves.It was 10PM. Jekyll at night with no flashlight beat Orlando hands down. Please look at what you will ruin. Look at the numbers closer.
March 11th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I agree with Senator Chapman 100%. The developers and all of GA needs to be aware that Jekyll is a jewel for Georgia, but not if it becomes just another miserably overcrowded coastal island. Many Glynn County residents already hate to drive over to St. Simons because of the terrible traffic. The lack of an adequate water supply to support the numbers proposed is a critical issue that must be addressed, and the destruction of an incredible habitat would further endanger the world’s sea turtle population. I have witnessed bald eagles flying from tall trees at the north end of Jekyll at least 3 different times, and that would definitely come to a screeching halt if this developed as proposed.
All people concerned must please think realistically about the impacts of a large development on Jekyll. As state property, yes, it would be nice if it did not burden the tax payers. However, even I could think of many ways it could not burden the state of GA, without destroying the island. Creative minds are needed to preserve Jekyll in a realistic manner. We already have island resorts. The people of Georgia need a state park they can afford to visit, not another Hilton Head. That lovely place is gone. We do not need to destroy our Jekyll.
March 11th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Jekyll Island is one of the last natural islands out there for those of us in South Carolina to enjoy. We have Myrtle Beach, Isle of Palms, and Hilton Head for their commercial development and high traffic areas, but not alot of natural beauty, so we come to Jekyll to see the turtles and enjoy the peaceful family atmosphere. I’d rather spend my money to stay on Jekyll than in the finest hotels on another beach. I despise Myrtle Beach for the growth and density. I only go to Isle of Palms because it’s so close to home, but if given my druthers, Jekyll is worth the 6 hr. drive.
Shame on the politicians for wanting to ruin such a priceless island. We talk about saving the environment but this debate continues on saving Jekyll Island. To me it’s a no-brainer. Jekll must be preserved. By law, it has to be. Why are there questions about that?
Jekyll could use revitalization, but NOT at the expense Linger Longer has proposed. DON’T think that they will promise one thing and stick to that promise. Development is development, not necessarily the correct revitalization needed for Jekyll Island.
Keep it natural…..for our children’s and grandchildren’s sakes. This may be one of the last natural islands in the Southeast US. Don’t forsake natural beauty for false promises. We can’t get it back once it’s gone!
March 11th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
It’s been a long road battling the narrow minded greedy member’s of the JIA board. Development that will harm the island is not the answer and we need to stop it before it’s too late. Senator Chapman is the only legislator that seems willing to voice his opinion against this illusive, devastating proposal for Jekyll Island’s future. When will the legislator’s listen?
Jekyll needs our protection and our care. It’s really the last refuge from the overcrowding devastation that has destroyed the natural beauty of other islands. Improvement of existing facilities will be welcomed, but at the cost of the island’s footprint, it is unacceptable.
March 11th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
JIA’s own 2006 visitor survey showed that most visitors value the island BECAUSE of its limited development. It’s also clear that the Bleakly report grossly misrepresents the intensity of the proposed development. This plan would change the character of the island forever. Even if future generations forgave JIA (unlikely), I will not.
March 12th, 2009 at 5:48 am
We are appalled by the arrogance and insensitivity of the JIA board. These political hacks are intentionally ignoring the will of the vast majority of Georgia’s citizens. We applaud Senator Chapman’s courage and intelligence in his valiant attempt to save Jekyll Island from the clutches of greedy developers.
March 12th, 2009 at 6:51 am
Jekyll Island is such an incredible UNDEVELOPED attraction. If you want a Linger Longer style vacation there are millions of options. Let’s keep the “jewel” uncut!
March 12th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Jekyll Island is such a great getaway.So easy going and peaceful.What a great injustice would be done to the island,if these proposed plans become real.
March 12th, 2009 at 7:26 am
Jeff is local! We know him. What’s more, he knows the wishes of the people and he is fighting hard to protect the island so it doesn’t become another Hilton Head. We pray for his success.
March 12th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Senator Chapman is right on!
We have been coming to Jekyll in
April for the past 5 years and will be visiting again in a few weeks. We love it as it is and the people we meet there have the same opinion. Fix up the old places but keep jekyll as the unique prize that it is now!
March 12th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Please do not allow the unnecessary over-development of Jekyll Island. There are SO few places of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard. This would be a total travesty. And would destroy a beautiful, natural place that should be enjoyed by future generations. Furthermore, the “fuzzy math” on the land and development proposals is inexcusable. My grandparents have enjoyed Jekyll Island for years! Please do not take that away from them.
March 12th, 2009 at 11:18 am
As a child growing up in GA, one of my favorite memories was family vacations to Jekyll Island. My parents were both educators who didn’t make much money, but they could afford to take us on occasional trips to Jekyll — since it was set aside for families like ours to enjoy. Now developers want to enrich themselves, packing high-density, high-end development on this pristine jewel of GA’s coast, and taking away the peaceful, affordable retreat that Jekyll has always been for working-class GA families. Shame on them and any politicians who allow them to get away with it.
March 12th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Thank you, Senator Chapman. Bleakly’s math is, well, bleak and absurd. Let’s not let it go uncorrected!
March 12th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Thank you, Creative Loafing, and thank you, Sen. Chapman, for your continued support and untiring efforts to preserve and protect Jekyll Island! It is absolutely shameful and totally unacceptable that Gov. Perdue, the JIA, and Linger Longer are all so greedy and power-hungry that they are willing to over-develop and commercialize Georgia’s most beautiful natural resource: Jekyll Island! Furthermore, they know what they are doing, and yet they are still willing to deceive and defraud the citizens of Georgia! Renovate in an appropriate manner the existing hotels, and give a facelift to the convention center and the shopping center, then leave the “development” alone!! Other senators and representatives of Georgia ~ where is your support to help save Jekyll Island from this gross misrepresentation of information that JIA, Linger Longer, and the Bleakly group has put forth?!
March 12th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
My family has come to Jekyll for vacation for years. It is a gem. I hope the voters of Georgia preserve it’s natural beauty and do not let the JIA ruin your beautiful park!
March 12th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Thank you Senator.
Including Marsh lands is ridiculous. What if the citzens privately (not by tax dollars) funded another survey? Would the government believe us then?
Thanks for the keeping unpolluited with development.
Best.
March 12th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Thank you, Senator Chapman! I am not even a GA citizen, but I visit Jekyll EVERY year and I love it for what it is NOW, not what someone can “envision” it becoming in the future. There are plenty of other places where you can be bombarded by hoards of people with screaming children who are trying to “get away.” If people want that, they can go to Disney World!
Jekyll Island is beautiful as it is and should remain AS IT IS to preserve what is so wonderful about it!
March 12th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Jekyll Island Authority has a Bleakly Advisory Group study that includes 5,000 acres of marshland included in calculation but 65% of Jekyll Island must, by law, remain in its natural state.
These erroneous calculations could result in an overbuilt and overcrowded and high density state park that is set aside for ordinary people of Georgia.
Please stop private developers from commercializing and overdeveloping the people’ park. The JIA is misrepresenting the density per acre of the new Jekyll Island State Park.
March 12th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Thank you, Sen. Chapman for your efforts to save Jekyll Island from development.
Please continue to help us save this special place and keep it in a natural state, perhaps the last accessible place for ordinary citizens to come and relax and savor naturalness and some unspoiled beauty.
No state park should be sold, developed or changed in this way by anyone but the voters of the state. It is incredulous to think this much development would ever be considered for this park. What is JIA thinking?
March 12th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Thanks to Sen Chapman for exposing yet another fabrication from Jekyll Island Authority. How many times will Georgia’s citizens allow JIA to misrepresent the plans to overdevelop an ecological jewel on Georgia’s coast. Combine JIA false claims with bad economics and one has to wonder exactly what the JIA has at stake on a personal basis to agree to such a lousy economic program which no private citizen would agree if they were the landowner.
March 12th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Thank you to all that are supporting the cause to leave Jekyll Island the beauty that it is. We came upon Jekyll quite by accident, but fell in love and have returned three times in five years.
The affordability of Jekyll, the openness of the beaches, the charm of the restaurants and shops, and of course the history is what draws us there. Every visit has been a treasure full of memories. We don’t want to see Jekyll ruined with development. We have been to other islands that have allowed development to take over. We don’t return there! We respect “improvements” being made but what the developers are proposing is an insult to what Jekyll Island means to visitors like me. Shame on the JIA for continuing this pursuit of destruction of a state park and natural beauty in the name of “improvements”. Thank you Sen. Chapman for giving me faith in one politician that is willing to stand up for what is right. Coming from Illinois that means a lot.
My final thought..imagine taking your children for a walk along the beach and coming across a four-foot sea turtle nesting. Stopping and watching that turtle for over an hour as she rested and then returned to the sea. Yes, that is just one of our many memories of Jekyll. If Linger Longer and the JIA have their way, will that be all that is left, memories?
March 12th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
DO NOT DEVELOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 12th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
do not develpo
March 12th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Thank you to everyone who is supporting or responding to this cause and also to Senator Chapman for everything he is doing to promote this.
March 12th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Numbers can always be manipulated to prove a point, and Bleakly definitely rearranged the numbers so they would say what he wanted. Overstating the size of Jekyll Island and the area which could be developed completely misrepresents what that development would do to the park. Jekyll is a state park for a reason – to remain natural.
March 12th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Numbers can be manipulated to make a point, and that is exactly what Bleakly has done. Rearranging the size of Jekyll Island and the area of land available for development greatly misrepresents the impact of the projected development. Jekyll Island is a state park for a reason – to remain natural.
March 12th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Jekyll should remain a State Park for the people of Georgia. Isn’t that the law?? The JIA can go to Sea Island for the kind of environment that they want to create on Jekyll at taxpayer’s expense. Seems like there are ample and empty accommodations for the likes of them there.
March 12th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
we have just planned our third trip to Jekyll after we fell in love with it on our first wedding anniversary. now, we have two young children who only know the beaches of Jekyll and adore coming there in the summers. I can’t imagine the beauty and peacefulness of this place being compromised in any way. I applaud Senator Chapman for promoting this cause – we are from Kansas City, MO and hope to continue vacationing on the Jekyll Island we first came to know and love with our family for years to come.
March 13th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Thank you for presenting the TRUTH can caring about our wonderful island.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Such a shame to see the facts misrepresented regarding the developement of Jekyll. All one has to do is visit the island to understand what is really going on here. It was my understanding that things could only be built back with the same footprint of what previously existed and could not be over a certain number of stories high. These conditions were made for a reason and it was to preserve the island and limit a negative impact. Have those goals changed? From what I read its really a poor deal financially for the island as well.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
My family and I grew up going to Jekyll Island every year sometimes two or three times to enjoy its old world southern charm. In fact we are planning a week and a half get away again this year. I am saddened that greed and ignorance of why people visit Jekyll Island is going to ruin one of the last truly quaint and beautiful southern jewels we have left. I sincerely hope your efforts to save it as it is will be successful as I will not ever go back if it becomes a monstrosity of a “resort”. You have my support in your effort to save it as is. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!
March 13th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
This is just another example of the “pay to play” culture that permeates the political arena these days, only instead of a U.S. Senate seat for sale, this time it is the “jewel” of the Georgia state park system. Lack of transparency, betrayal of public trust, greed, and “pay to play” schemes, haven’t we had enough of this. To fabricate statistics to support the over development of this wonderful island with little financial return to the citizens of Georgia and then to ask the citizens to pay for the infrastructure upgrades to support the over development is incomprehensible. The Linger Longer contract and the Trammell Crow hotel development agreement should be investigated by the Department of Audits and Accounts and the Attorney General.
This is a state park, protected by law for Georgia citizens of all means to enjoy. Those of us who enjoy this island do not want another crowded, noisy over developed island like Hilton Head. If the JIA had been doing its job all along, the current facilities on the island would be drawing the required number of visitors. Now in a misguided attempt to remedy the situation they are rewarding the politically connected at the expense of the taxpayer and ruining the island.
I give kudos to Senator Chapman who is the only legislator standing up for the people of Georgia and trying to protect this island for the enjoyment of future generations. The question is where are the other legislators?
March 13th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Dont build on Jeckyll island. The worlds habitats are already almost completely destroyed. There is no need to waste money on building anyways because the water levels are rising. This is a place where people go to escape from the urban sprawl. This is only going to bring more pollution. I strongly suggest not building.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
My heart is breaking. What Jekyll is is completely irreplaceable. And, nothing can bring back what’s taken away. We are being scammed for a business profit. Sinful and evil and must be stopped. Jekyll is OURS, not theirs. A minutel amount of improvements, mostly to existing structures, and a few well-thought out businesses such as a possible breakfast/coffee spot, and a self-sustaining eco-center are the way to “develop”. Period.
March 13th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Jekyll Island is a beautiful place, quiet and easily accessible for the average citizen. Sonny and his cronies want to turn this paradise into Hilton Head. Yet few visitors WANT such a thing!
This deal has been ramrodded over the objections of Georgia’s citizens from the beginning. First they tried to hide it, then ignore public opinion. When it became clear their plan would be tied up or killed in court, they revise it a wee bit and ramrod again. The methods alone show what an illegal land-grab by vested interests this is.
The world is scarred enough by the short-sighted machinations of greedy men. Will someone PLEASE stop this travesty and save Jekyll’s natural beauty and affordability? Once it’s been turned back into yet another overdeveloped coastal wasteland, we will never get it back.
SAVE JEKYLL ISLAND!!!
March 13th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Thank you Senator Chapman for your perseverance in makng sure the truth is known to the public about the greedy individuals who would like to exploit the beauty and serenity of Jekyll Island. Truth will win out in the end as long as the public stands united!
March 13th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Thank you Creative Loafing and Sen. Chapman! We’ve just returned from Jekyll having spent another fabulous wedding anniversary there. We go for birthdays, anniversarys, and just to get away from it all. To walk down the incredible expanse of undeveloped coast line is one of the greatest joys of my life and I want my grandchildren to have this same joy. As many other posters have said, if we wanted sensory overload we’d go to Hilton Head, Destin, St. Simons or Panama City. Jekyll is the true jewel of the southeastern coastline and we must do everything possible to protect it. Please, Governor Purdue and your crooked JIA cronies, go Linger Longer somewhere else!
March 13th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Thank you Senator Chapman. I and everyone I know is behind you. The people who serve on the JIA are betraying the public trust that rest in their hands. It seems most of the state’s citizens are against the Linger Longer scheme, yet it apparently makes no difference. I ask the memebers of the legislature, the JIA, and our governor to remember their roles as the people’s servants.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
I am appalled at the ongoing efforts to exploit Jekyll Island for the benefit of a few wealthy developers. Jekyll is a state park, to be preserved for future generations. It is already developed far beyond the original intent, and Linger Longer’s plans would destroy it forever. In this economy, there are already quite enough empty stores and unoccupied condos. Leave us the one place in Georgia that one just might see a sea turtle instead of more pavement.
“Only when the last tree has died, and the river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize that we cannot eat money.”
March 14th, 2009 at 4:33 am
I am horrified by the attempts to rape Jekyll Islands beauty and simple charm. And farther more I am sickened that a group of people who are charged with protecting and preserving a state park would be the very same to sell it off. We dont need high priced condos and hotels. The people want clean beaches, scenic trails and animal preservation. And, we need to keep it affordable. I honor Sen Chapman for his dedication to this fight. Shame on you JIA!
March 14th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
as a frequent visitor to jekyll i do see a need for upgrades as necesary, but do not see the need for a total rebuild and over populate. leave jekyll a state park,a nice place to vacation and relax and enjoy the scenery. rebuild and upgrade as necesary and leave the politicians out of it.
March 14th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Turning a state park like Jekyll Island into a phony Sea Island is yet another example of how our legislators rape the public land. Jekyll’s main attraction is its tranquillity and natural setting. It is not a shopping destination. It is a state park!
March 14th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
After reading most of the 200+ comments posted in response to Senator Chapman’s revelations about the JIA’s density study, one thing stands out most clearly for me, and that is the level of appreciation that people have for Chapman’s commitment to the truth and willingness to speak out on its behalf. Surprisingly, his criticism of the JIA’s misrepresentation of the facts surrounding the impact of Jekyll’s long-term development has come under fire by the Brunswick News, which has misinterpreted his position as meaning he is “opposed to Jekyll’s revitalization” and is trying to kill a project that will create jobs in his own Senate district. This same nonsense has been repeated by two men who have already announced that they will run against Chapman in the 2010 Republican primary for the District 3 Senate seat. Isn’t odd that as soon as Chapman fingers the JIA for backing a density study that soft pedals the impact of the forthcoming Linger Longer massive build-out for the state park, the Brunswick News goes into attack mode, and two candidates come out of the woodwork claiming Chapman does not give a hoot about the citizens of the Third District. What a joke! Chapman tries to promote responsible redevelopment of a state park and to promote the common good, yet, for his efforts, he gets poked in the nose by the local paper (which has been singing songs of praise for Linger Longer for two years now) and charged with being a job-killer by two local Senate seat seekers. Ain’t Georgia politics just grand!
March 14th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
I grew up going to Jekyll Island. Now I live on Amelia Island only 45 minutes away. I have seen what the developers have done here in the last 19 yrs.We as a barrier island have developers coming in and filling in the marsh, taking out trees, and what is to protect ourself and our wildlife, when all our natural habitat is gone during hurricanes? What of the beauty of peace, history, and solitude that I have enjoyed at Jekyll and visit many times thoughout the years. Keep our developers out, and keep alittle of God’s paradise around.
March 14th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
This is absolutely awful. Most of Jekyll island’s main users come to the island for relaxing times with their families, and many of these people would not be able to make any use of the new attractions being proposed. Not to mention the effects on the island’s ecosystems. If any who read this have never been to Jekyll, PLEASE make an effort to go and see for yourselves….some of it is very developed, but many places are still very beautiful and need to be protected! Support is needed to stop the JIA’s development plan.
March 15th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Jekyll Island must be protected from any further development. Most of the state’s island space has already been overdeveloped and ruined for the future. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. WE DESERVE TO HAVE SOME UNDEVELOPED GREEN SPACES. THE REPORT ON THE DENSITY OF JEKYL ISLAND STATE PARK IS MISLEADING – WE CANNOT TO HAVE THIS ISLAND DEVELOPED. YOU WERE ELECTED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE, NOT THOSE WHO WOULD SPOIL OUR NATURAL HERITAGE FOR PERSONAL GREED.
March 15th, 2009 at 12:17 am
ADDENDUM: Many thanks to Senator Chapman for doing battle on behalf of keeping Jekyll Island as undeveloped as possible.
March 15th, 2009 at 3:54 am
Sen Chapman has my support. I dont believe Linger Longer should build so much and since I have reason to distrust the jia I believe if building will be done then they should not be entrusted to it’s plans alone.
Infact if this plan goes through I will take my vacation and my $$ elsewhere and so will my friends.
March 15th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I believe that Senator Chapman is correct in his comments about the issue of redevelopment of Jekyll Island.
March 15th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Thank you Sen. Chapman for keeping an eye on this mess.
I think some new rules are in order for how someone gets on and stays on the JIA board.
Jekyll has a unique character, all it’s own, and it would be a shame to lose it to Hilton Head like development. There are plenty of Hilton Heads, up and down the coast but only one Jekyll.
March 16th, 2009 at 8:29 am
I went to Jekyll Island this weekend and it is BEAUTIFUL! Don’t let the powers that be screw this up for us, the people. If you have never visited this state park, I highly suggest you take a trip now, before it (illegally) turns into yet another crowded resort.
March 16th, 2009 at 9:18 am
As a decades-long visitor to Jekyll Island, I am deeply disturbed by the changes that people who take into consideration nothing but greed are trying to force upon the Island. Public outcry and the vigilance of Senator Chapman are the only factors that have, and can continue to have, a mitigating effect on those who want to exploit this precious resource. Few places are perfect just as they are – and Jekyll is one of them. Just because it doesn’t look or cost like Sea Island or St.Simon’s does NOT mean that it needs to be changed. There are still people in the world who appreciate nature and serenity. Not everyone feels the need for “big and expensive”; the people who do have lots of choices already. Leave Jekyll as one of the few places we “simple folk” can still enjoy!
March 16th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Jekyll Island State Park, with its significant wildlife habitat, affordable accommodations, and relaxed, uncrowded environment, has been such a blessing to the people of Georgia and our out-of-state visitors. It’s a shame that so many power players are willing to be accomplices in this heist. Thank you Senator Chapman and Creative Loafing for this article.
March 16th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Jekyll Island must be protected from this massive development. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. JIA — You are showing your greed both in the development and in the proposed new leases.
Jekyll belongs to the people of Georgia. Senator Chapman is right. You are wrong. He has called your bluff, and so have the people. Yet you persist in your plans to despoil this beautiful place. I can think of only one reason: greed.
Scale back your plans now, while there is still time to preserve Jekyll Island.
March 17th, 2009 at 10:17 am
We support Senator Chapmans’ efforts to block the fraudulent Linger Longer development foisted on the people of Georgia by the politically corrupt JIA.
This project seems to be a perfect example of textbook political corruption, for which the state of Georgia is so well known.
March 17th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Please leave one place where children can go and see how nature really once thrived in Georgia. From the mansions in their true settings to deer,turtles and dolphins.The future generations deserve this. They can go to commercialized areas everywhere. Let’s be different and show our respect for this beautify island.
March 21st, 2009 at 12:53 am
Jekyl Island is intended to be a spacious and wunderful place to relax. If we plan for hordes of people to be there, that is what we are tring to get away from. When anything is overcowded it ruins everything involved to me.
March 30th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
My wife and I live on the Georgia coast and we heartily endorse the efforts of Senator Chapman to bring transprency and honesty to the Jekyl Island improvement project.
April 9th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
As one of the many Canadians living in Jekyll during the winter months, I consider this beautiful island my PARADISE.
Why does the Georgia government never help their parks financially. In Canada, we have some wonderful national and provincial parks, and they are all funded by the various governments.
If Jekyll Island is developed as Purdue wishes, the people of Georgia will suffer greatly,without the vast beach area. There will be so many people there that it will look like Miami Beach. Jekyll is the only beach area left that is pristine and easy to park. Why do they insist in developing on such a large scale? Hilton Head the second is on its way. UGH!!!