Protect Jekyll Island Message Center

Jim Odom's Jekyll Island Tour

monicanewman — Thur, 12 Feb 2009 00:06:07 GMT

Is there any info on how I can contact Jim Odom in order to thank him for the beautiful Jekyll Island video he put together? We have been renting houses on Jekyll for a couple of years and everytime I am longing for what we encounter on Jekyll I play Jim's video. I just want to thank him for filming all my heart's desires of Jekyll. Thank you for any info you may offer.

Funding II

magnolia — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:40:48 GMT

I know new development will bring new jobs which in turn will energize the economy, blah, blah, blah. I think what upsets those of us who are not against revitalization (but are for a responsible revitalization) is that Jekyll IS already unique, we have local character and charm that does not exist any where else.

We are too close to appreciate the DooWhop architecture of the 60's. Jekyll has a significant collection of these very unique sturctures. Is this a "duh" or what? Maybe emulate the DooWhop style instead of the generic "beachy" look of some of the newer construction. As these structures clear 50 years they are elligible for inclusion in the national regester of historic structures. This is another soap box I'm afraid.

My point Jekyll is already the place they think they are trying to create. Some responsible development would be welcomed by all...but I think people are feeling railroaded and condescended to...tactics used to shut up the opposition. There are legitimate concerns about the future of a unique life style. You can walk for miles and see dolphins play in the water, If you're lucky you can find a sand dollar that is already bleached by the sun, or see a baby turtle scurrying to the water. That deserves resepect and an understanding of the fragile nature of the island and the impact of the kind of visitation numbers. Is there a study of an island with a similar increase in population as projected for Jekyll?

And please let's get on the front end of this with protective convanants to hold the developers to a higher standard.

Funding

magnolia — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:13:42 GMT

I couldn't agree more with Sen. Chapman. Why is the selling of bonds for funding the Jekyll revitalization being pushed through so quickly? At a time when our state is in economic crisis the state's solution of using JI as a revenue maker is reminiscent of Reba McIntyre's song Fancy. The state is sending "Fancy" out to catch someone with money, turning JI into the state's whore.

Will selling $50 million in bonds for JI redevelopment help address the serious problems that Georgia is facing? In education, teachers have already been told that there is no money for raises next year, class sizes have been increased, and now we are told that "social" promotion will stop and those almost 1,000 students that did not meet the standard will not move one to the next grade but will be retained. What will that do to the classroom? Where is the funding for the teachers and programs that will be needed to address this population? Will Linger Longer's development help in addressing the need for funding educational programs for parents, more teachers, smaller class sizes, and providing supplies and books for families that cannot afford them? The state government has decided this project needs support but as public schools are failing, the answer from Atlanta is increase the number of students that can be in one class. Anyone who has been in education knows that 28 1st - 3rd graders and 30 3rd - 5th if too many in a classroom to effectively teach. Especially if half (or more)of them cannot read on grade level.

And there are may other real problems; water usage, energy costs, pollution, loss of wetlands, lack of innovative industry.

Governor Purdue, Let's get our priorities in order. This is a time to put funding for leisure projects on hold. There are too many real issues that need attention. Private investors should use their own resources to make their projects viable, let's use state resources to fund the critical needs we have in our state.

Pay for Play

youmustbekiddingme — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:44:11 GMT

The Reynolds family and State politicians and JIA funded Linger Longer project sounds like similar situations being uncovered in Illinois and other states recently. Pay for Play has migrated south the past few winters.

Conservation Based Planning

Rural_Urbanist — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:13:12 GMT

It seems like the best way to end up with better plans is for conservation based groups to craft the planning and zoning vision.

In Charleston, SC the Coastal Conservation League has been opposing the I-526 extension across John's Island by hiring professional planners that are designing rural friendly alternatives with compact villages and hamlets instead of just sprawl. In fact Charleston is now changing their zoning codes for this area to one, based on the SmartCode, that will include both Transfer of Development Rights, to promote conservation, and compact rural urbanism.

http://coastalconservationleague.org

http://www.smartcodecentral.org/transect.html

Other modern planning tools like Light Imprint New Urbanism can be used as part of the SmartCode to design roads and infrastructure that can have a much lighter impact on the environment.

http://www.lightimprint.org/

Communities like Chestertown, MD were led by the local land trust to plan an extension of their historic downtown as an alternative to sprawling rural developments, that even with higher density would include substantial conservation of a sensitive property likely to be developed.

http://www.eslc.org/pages/greenbeltnews.php

Modern Codes and Zoning tools can be used to define the most important principals that a community wants to focus on. Such tools can make it very clear the standards of conservation and what areas are most sensitive.

With such vision Jekyll Island could become the model of how development and conservation can co-exist.

There are many examples being planned around the country and around the world that have a focus more on the natural and rural elements of place, and how to harmoniously combine the human environment with the natural one.

Examples like Loretto Bay Mexico will be designed around a community with out cars. Schooner Bay in the Bahamas has a design that is transitioning to one with an organic farm, ag-lots, a market as agricultural based urbanism is becoming more popular. The Southlands outside Vancouver is being designed as a gardens, agricultural centric community. Sky, Florida is implementing alternative energy at the community scale while remaining a rural/agricultural friendly design. South Main, CO created an village that sits behind a new river front kayak park ( donated by the project ) adjacent to a historic town.

There are so many great elements that could be applied to Jekyll, that could help preserve what is most beautiful about the island. But what I feel is needed is a clear plan, a clear set of tools and vision to define an alternative that can be both environmentally and economically sustainable for the island.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information on any of these tools or examples.

backward thinking

magnolia — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:00:53 GMT

As I read this week's Brunswick News concerning the 35-65 developed vs undeveloped reapportionment I was not surprised. I felt that the study by the UGA student would be discredited. The handwriting has been on the wall for many months. But having grown up on the East Coast I have watched similar developments spring up from New Jersey to Florida, as I'm sure many of you have. And you know beach re nourishment is around the corner as the new developments bring in visitors who "deserve" wider beaches.
What has struck me in all this is the backward thinking of JIA, Linger Longer, and their supporters. It is very "20th century". I would be interested to see the average age of the JIA board. They are stuck in the 20th century. So much of what is coming out of the Master Plan to me is focused on playing catchup with other communities such as Hilton Head, Fernindina, and the gold coast of Florida to get the tourism dollar as it has been perceived in the past; shopping, restaurants, accommodations. The time share mentality..get as many people in and out as possible. Where is the 21st century thinking. Aren't we now watching Florida, which overbuilt terribly, struggling to find buyers and vacationers to fill all the available spaces, offering discounts and incentives to draw the public. And in our own area, aren't we watching as those who paid top dollar for Liberty Harbor lots now are foreclosing. Doesn't anyone notice the pages and pages of foreclosures and tax sale notices in the paper, many of them lots in new developments.
We need people who are thinking 21st century. Eco-tourism, respect for environment, understanding of the fragile nature of our island. We need environmentalists who specialize in island ecosystems and who are knowledgeable about the detrimental influences of intrusive plants, the use of pesticides and the destruction of natural environment and habitat. For example I have read with some amusement the issue of cats vs birds. But no one mentions the destruction of the native growth along the marsh which contributes more to the reduction of the bird population than a few cats. How ironic those same people who are against Linger Longer think nothing cutting down the natural growth to improve their view. When I first moved to Jekyll cutting the marsh side area was discouraged...now it is ankle high along much of Riverview Road...and guess what? There are fewer birds. Must be the cats.
The slogan should not be Jekyll Island Defend it, but Jekyll Island, Respect it, Protect it. We all (JIA, LL, Residents and visitors) need to remember that the state is supposed to be a steward of the island for future generations not a manager for the current one. The point was not to make Jekyll economically viable in a competitive market, but exactly the opposite, to preserve a disappearing part of the Georgia coast so all Georgians, and others, can enjoy the undisturbed, pristine ecology of a barrier island. Once that is gone it will never be able to be recovered. What it nature does will be interrupted and we will spend many years lamenting the ignorance and backward thinking of those who do not respect and appreciate the delicacy of this environment. I am shocked that the JIA now says there is more developable property because of the erosion and accretion of the island. Is that natural process going to stop. What happens when a storm removes that accredited land? And how about the idea that that land is already inhabited by wildlife...how about protecting the environment and being on the cutting edge of a new kind of tourism? Where people don't want traffic, bars, and more crowded conditions, but quiet sunsets, peaceful mornings, and no rush.

Keep Jekyll Island for the Regular Folks

camille — Thur, 09 Oct 2008 13:44:00 GMT

My husband and I came down to J I on a two week trip from Charleston ending up at JI for a 10 day stay. We we right in the middle and on the tail end of Hurricanes the entire time and finally got to come into JI 3 days late and ride Hurricane Ivan out with the Evacuee's.
WE fell in love with the Island then and have been back three times a year since.
We use to take cruises, etc and we haven't been on one since....we choose to spend all of our vacation time on Jekyll Island and I have found an affordable way to do so.
We have made some Wonderful friends at Lattitude 31 and the Rah Bar and have met and fell in love with the Monroe's at the Putt Putt Golf shop.
We find the quite, laid back life there like Therapy for us and dread leaving every time we pull out of the Island.
It would break our hearts to see the Island turned into another Panama City or Destin.......if that is what you want....it is only a little further down the road......why disrupt this beautiful island and put all the Traffic and NOISE there, oh..I know GREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, once it done ...it'll be like AIG and all these other big Companies....they will have their MONEY and you will have your Noise, and a mess. There won't be any going back.
God has only made so much Land...........and he is not going to make any more.!!!
These people have been other places and built and why do you think they are coming To J I?????????????? GREED.... They don't care about the wildlife, the little folks, the beauty and simplicity of the Island.........
If it gets so pricey....I know we won't be able to return as we do and won't want to.........we can always find a Panama City................we will look for something close to J I where we can get some rest and enjoy the peace and the People of the Island and somewhere we Can Afford.
Please think before you turn this wonderful place over to a bunch of People like the ones that have gotten us into this mess with ECONOMY and then run off with our money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please keep it affordable so, we and people like us can come back.

Linger Longer Exec resigns

Patch — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:21:06 GMT

Rob Mitchell, the President of Linger Longer has apparently resigned according to a press release last week. He is moving to NC for a new job/business.

overkill

ashley — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:31:07 GMT

to see what jekyll will look like in the furture, just visit st simons island. looks like downtown atlanta @ rush hour

PLEASE USE HIM AS A RESOURCE!!!!

Jekyll_Junkie — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:16:07 GMT

As plans go forward for the so-called "revitalization" of Jekyll Island, I think it is critical that we do EVERYTHING possible to study the environmental issues and to find ways to increase visitors and visitor "experience" on the island in the natural settings, rather than merely building bigger and more "glitzy" s0-called attractions that may or may NOT accomplish the goals we want to see accomplished.

I have just returned home after 10 days on the Island and after attending the public "information meeting" on Monday, the 23rd, of September. Instead of staying in a motel this time, we stayed at the home of a friend who is a resident of Jekyll, and I really learned some valuable things about the island!!

Our friend, Albert Tate, is a Naturalist, teaching currently at Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta/Decatur, and he is vitally interested in Jekyll's future as he and his wife will retire there in a few years. He and I sat up almost all night Sunday night while he explained a wonderful plan he is working on to promote implementation of environmentally friendly attractions to Jekyll Island that would celebrate its fabulous biodiversity.

I hope you are aware of his dreams and goals for the island and that you will use him as a "serious" asset going into the immediate and long-range future.

How Do We Tell JIA!

Savetheisland — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:52:05 GMT

Jeykll Island is a State Park they need to listen to the voice of the people. Jeykll is not the place for private resort type development.

Maybe the JIA needs to hear from a ton of people who feel that Jekyll, as a STATE PARK, is not the place for private resort-type development but rather would be better served by amenities and facilities that are consistent with the mission of the Georgia state park system. Revitalization can and should take place on Jekyll w/o sacrificing what Jekyll's all about.

WHAT ABOUT THE TURTLES???

Savetheisland — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:59:52 GMT

Has anyone even thought about that if these developers build new high rise condo's that it might affect the Sea Turtles pattern. The lights form the high rise might cause the turtles not to come ashore to lay the eggs. This was one of my main concerns when I heard about Jeykll's redevelopment. WE MUST TAKE ACTION FOR THEM.

THEY WERE HERE LONG BEFORE US!

BEACH PROBLEM

ACPDALLAS — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:19:44 GMT

On Friday August first, as we drove back from a vacation in N. Carolina, my wife and I decided to spend the weekend in the area, which we attempted to do. We stayed Friday night in a Sea Island hotel and the next morning drove over to Jekyll for a day at the beach. That is where our vacation ended.

At about 1:15 as I walked the beach, I was attacked by an unleashed dog while his owner sat in a beach chair. The owner of this approximate 75 pound lab/retriever had to pull his dog off and restrain him. The owner, a young man in his mid to late twenties, apologized profusely and said the dog had never attacked anyone, and certainly not unprovoked. By that time my hand was bleeding from the dog's bite, so I hurried to my car for a first aid kit to clean the bleeding wound.

Although the bite was small, it bled alot. Between the blood and the size of the dog, I was truly upset. By the time I'd cleaned the wound, the dog's owner had packed up and left.

The only telephone number available was that of the welcome center shown on the "hand-out" received when you pay your entry fee. I explained what happened and that by then the bleeding had stopped and I could tell it was only a small puncture wound. The on duty manager insisted that he send out the island paramedics which he did. Incidentally, I had to meet them at the strip mall since the beach entries and restrooms are not lettered or numbered, so the Center manager could not determine where I was situated, which happened to be the most crowded part of the beach.

Now that youve heard my unpleasant experience, I'll get to the real purpose of this message. Originally from Georgia, for the past nine years I've resided on Florida's Gulf Coast. I'm infinitely familiar with the local beaches since I lived for five years "on the beach" (Longboat Key) and subsequently within ten minutes of the beach at Siesta Key. There is not one beach entry where parking is provided that is not properly MARKED. There is a sign posted with the do's and don'ts at each entry. Additionally, the entries are all have numbers, so in case of an accident, a specific locality can be sited to police or medics. Oh yes, they do include an emergency phone number in the postings and for those who can't read, there are symbols for each posting.

The point is that Jekyll's beach is poorly operated, more directly -- not operated at all. This is an area that a fee is paid for admittance; your guests, both Georgia residents and tourists , deserve better.

Yazoo Land Fraud & Great Jekyll Land Scam Sounds Like Twins

wordsb1truth — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:52:36 GMT

Georgia Constitution - State can NOT enter into Contracts beyond 30 years. Interesting since the state entered into 99 year contracts concerning Jekyll Island and the Altamaha Park LAND Leases.
And 50 years with the City/County Hospital, Using Tax Dollars to Improve the lands with roads, infrastructure and buildings then they revert back to the PRIVATE Owners Just like the Great Yazoo Land Fraud. or they trade or give it to the selected Private Owners.

Sea Island been doing this with other lands involving the county for years

Yazoo Land Fraud & Great Jekyll Land Scam Sounds Like Twins
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yazoo_land_scandal

http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-663

hotel room cost

ssosebee — Mon, 26 May 2008 23:11:44 GMT

I just read the may 12th ,minutes of the jia board meeting. I thought they said they was going to keep the room rates cheap enough for the avarage georgian . by what they are saying. $135.00 a night isnt avarage for most of us.Why dont the public have any say in the prices. its our park. not just those who want to line their pockets with cash.