Political Insider

By TATA MOTOR

March 26, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Jekyll holds a special place in my heart. When I was a younger man I would sneak away with my Spanish teacher to scream Ayeeh! at the crashing waves. I suggest a multi-cultural task force to band rednecks from wearing cut-off levi’s within 10 ft of the dunes. I believe evil-doers should have to buy a beach pass and European bathing suits must be worn at all times.

By lotti jo

March 26, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Sigh… This is not about a parking lot. No one is has contacted their representatives begging to “Save the Parking Lot”. However, many Georgians have contacted their senators and their representatives asking that they support the preservation efforts. This has nothing to do with that parking lot! This is about beach front property that belongs to the people of the state of Georgia. This nearly pristine beach is going to be used to house condos for those willing to pay big bucks to stay ON the beach. This is about the people begging for responsible and conservative government actions. This is about a corrupt Governor giving a hand out to his funding sources. This is about preserving the beach for future generations. This is about back-room political deals and about creating an “economic engine” instead of doing what is best for the people of the state. This is about doing the Right Thing. Senators Tolleson and Johnson have long forgotten what that is.
I urge you to remember the actions of our elected officials during the upcoming election.

By Ru Paul

March 26, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Hey, Ru Paul supporters. I know we haven’t been able to march lately, but we have an opportunity to march again. The parking lot at Jekyll may be empty, but we can fill it up. Lets gather on the lot and protest the fact that Ru Paul stole all of our money for 19 delegates. Perhaps we can get the blimp to fly over?? Join me, whenever.

Go Ru Paul

By RUjr.

March 26, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

I’LL BE THERE

By Carbon Footprint

March 26, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Richard Widmark, who is a distant cousin of Obama, died today at 93. The doctors say he’ll be fine.

Brad Pitt, Cheney….the only person Obama’s not connected to someway now is his pastor, eh?

By GoRon!!!!

March 26, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Will Ron pay us back?

By Churchill

March 26, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

If you go by scripture, I am realated to all libs, geesh.

By Anne

March 26, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

One truly has to wonder why so many people are scrambling to do anything they can to make sure Linger Longer gets to develop as much as Jekyll’s beach fron as they can! Why are so many legislators refusing to face the facts: 1.Jekyll Island State Park is undergoing revitalization. 5 hotels will be replaced in the very near future. They will all be increasing the room capacity on those site which will increase revenue to the JIA. 2. More than half of the Town Center site is under the protection of the Shore Protection Act and should stay as it is for wise preservation of the island’s natural resources. 3. The people of Georgia have spoken LOUD and CLEAR to their legislators. They do not want the most accessible and incredibly beautiful beach on the east coast littered with condos, hotels and timeshares!! SO, I ask again, with all these compelling facts, Why aren’t our representatives and senators listening to the people? Why aren’t they doing the right thing for our environment and for future generations of Georgians? Why are the interests of Mercer Reynolds and Linger Longer more important to them then the people they represent?

By janie Hopwood

March 26, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Maybe we could settle this dispute the democratic way. Put the issue on a referendum to the voters. Let each side make their case and let the people who own the island vote, and let us all stand by the vote.

By A typical liberal

March 26, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

You have no right to private property. Forget it.

By Susan DeHoff

March 26, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

I just read in the Political Insider that Sens. Ross Tolleson (R-Perry) and Eric Johnson (R-Savannah), both members of the political party to which I have belonged all my life and for which my grandfather served in the legislature in Indiana are wanting to kill a bill that would provide 3 million dollars a year for GA’s Coastal Advisory Council just so that Mercer Reynolds can build a major resort development on a particular half mile of beach front property on Jekyll Island. I have never in my life been so ashamed of my own political party as I am at this moment. There is absolutely no reason why Mercer Reynolds needs this one particular place to put up hotels; there are several other places where hotels once stood that are in need of nice, new hotels. The people have spoken over and over again about this matter: they do not want the one open stretch of beach kidnapped and hidden by large hotels and condos. Why these two Representatives are so determined to support what out-of-state developers want instead of what the people want is a question that needs to be asked and answered!

Susan L. DeHoff

By Greg Lowery

March 26, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

As a resident of Laurens County and frequent Jekyll visitor, I have talked with both Rep. Dubose Porter and Sen. Ross Tolleson about my concerns on the overdevelopment of Jekyll Island. Improvements should be made with restraint and common sense, not with 1100 condos and timeshares on the open beach. At least it appears Rep. Porter has listened to his constituents. Senator Tolleson….?

By Helene Johnson

March 26, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Citizens of Georgia are becoming more aware of the political climate in which a developer (big operator in the Republican Party), elected (Republican) officals and the body entrusted with overseeing protection and sensitive development of Jekyll Island (JIDA), join forces to over-develop and hence destroy a significant segment of our environmental legacy. I thought those days of cronyism and disregard for the public were over. There will be a price to pay. A movement seems to be forming, and it is gaining momentum.

By JekyllParker

March 26, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

All elected (Democrat) officials want to subvert the Constitution. They want to increase the size of the state and federal gov’t. They want to squash dev. in the name of a parking lot. Tell the liberals no. No to old parking lots being protected as a natural resource. It is my home.

By cyberteach

March 26, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

No, it’s not about a parking lot, and these Republican legislators, the JIA and their public relations minions know that. They are continuing the same old process: tell a lie, keep repeating it ad nauseum and hope it sticks. This is truly cowardly and disgusting behavior on the part of elected officials. Have these people been so cowed and influenced by the money and power of the Linger Longer crowd and the JIA people such as Ben Porter and Steve Croy, who are involved with real estate development themselves, that they have totally lost sight of the fact they were elected to represent the public? The public has spoken out repeatedly against development of this beachfront, but these people are determined to steamroll ordinary Georgians.

By Estelle Ford-Williamson

March 26, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Remember in November is the best thing for the members of this committee to keep in mind. Georgians care about their small beach, and it is a shame to think that these legislators will allow a plan to go forth that will erase the beachfront approach to the island, move the beachside parking lot, and force residents with small children or disabilities to hike a quarter of a mile with all water, food, and blankets in hand while trying to keep their families from being run over on a road that promises to carry the wealthy to their condos. This island was set aside for the people of Georgia; we insist you keep this agenda for our property. There are many, many problems with this plan. Remember in November!

By LeoT

March 26, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Why do the defenders of beachfront development for Jekyll Island State Park have to resort to exaggeration and absurdities to make their pitch? The “old parking lot” statement has been thrown around by Linger Longer apologists for months now. Once and for all - no one is defending old asphalt parking lots but rather the public’s right to enjoy a rare treasure - an unobstructed, natural beach. I say let’s develop this site in a way that would benefit just about everyone - let’s turn it into a first-class public amenity by having permeable surface parking areas meandering along a beachside dotted with picnic groves,landscaped by Mother Nature herself, and blessed with a wide open, seaside expanse - a million dollar view of the Atlantic Ocean for families that don’t have a million bucks. The Buckner-amended SB 367 would allow this to happen; the Lingeer Longer plan, well, it’s just peachy-keen for those who already have a million bucks.

By mary

March 26, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

If GA applies for federal funds, then they might actually have to follow federal rules and regulations. The NEPA review process would assess the various environmental impacts, including endangered species laws. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), one of the first environmental laws ever written, requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts of proposed federal projects which could significantly affect the environment.

By Chichota Lion

March 26, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

What most people are forgetting about this whole issue is that Jekyll needs millions in improvements. If it doesn’t come from the private sector, do you really think Sonny and the Gold Dommers will just give the money to make Jekyll what everyone wants it to be - a natural and cultural treasure that educates all who visit? They haven’t done it before and they won’t do it now. Since Glenn and the GOP want to eliminate all taxes so they can get reelected, where will the money come from? Jekyll needs $20 m to maintain its historic buildings, $12 m to rebuild 1950s golf courses, the convention center needs to be blown up, and on and on. All the naysayers who want Linger Longer to go away either need to put up $ or shut up. At least Mercer and his guys are willing to invest in the island since the state won’t!

By CL

March 26, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Someone should email these legislators a picture of what will occupy that same parking lot, plus a lot more public real estate, if Mercer Reynold’s and his sycophants in the Georgia Legislature manage to have their way with our state park. Anyone fancy a sprawling 63 acre resort complex with more than 1000 condos, time shares and hotel rooms stacked 5 or 6 stories high as your view at the end of the causeway? Personally, I much prefer the current panorama captured by the photo above, which is unique and priceless, not cluttered with condos and hotels, and part of the beloved childhood experience of countless Georgians. But….to hell with public opinion. Apparently only money talks to our worthy elected representatives!

By Carol Sue Ravenel

March 26, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

PLEASE, PLEASE…do not let our beautiful Jekyll Island become another resort mecca. We need to protect and preserve the natural beauty and home to our wildlife for generations to come. The developers are not interested in quality, they want the quantity of profit, and deny the rights of the citizens who revere this wonderful island.

By Will Jones

March 26, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Fence in Jekyll. Do not let the pope build condos.

By Huntley Allen

March 26, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

I love relaxing in waterfront condos even more than a lot of people may; however, in this case I have to agree with all the citizens who oppose a condo/retail development on this State Jewel Public Park. I bet all the opponents wouldn’t mind so much if the retail and housing was on the interior looking back on the public park part. A retail shop does not need to be waterfront. Shopping is a different activity that can be located elsewhere. There will be other locations for waterfront residential. This plan should be the best in the world: not just a money maker for a few investors. Think Smart, Representatives of the People.

By jekyll86

March 26, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Read the bill rather than relying on rhetoric. The bill prohibits anything other than picnic tables, restrooms and bath houses from being built in an asphalt parking lot. Want to grass the parking lot? No way. Want to have a picnic in a 100 degree unshaded parking lot? Sure!

This is how bad legislation gets passed — people fight over principle without reading the fine print of what is being debated.

If you’re against the revitalization of Jekyll, fine. But read the bill before you fire up the same old don’t-change-Jekyll rhetoric.

By Theresa Matt

March 26, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Why do the politicians think we are fooled by this sort of underhanded maneuver? I am (or was) a Republican. I am so ashamed that my party is the one that is in league with the developers and big contributors to deprive the people of Georgia of an open beach in their state park.

We want to be able to see the ocean, not a bunch of upscale condos and shops.

If SB 367 dies, it will be the Republicans who killed Jekyll Island.

By Hoyt LeCroy

March 26, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Call these legislators and tell them to vote the current Jekyll bill out of committee and onto the House floor for airing: Tolleson: phone number in Atlanta is 404- 656-0081

Johnson: Office in Atlanta: 404-656-5109.

It only takes a minute……Call now…..yes, after hours and leave a message…..if you really care about the future of Jekyll Island!

By Chichota Lion

March 26, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Thanks jekyll86, someone who actually reads & doesn’t buy in to all the alarmists say. If all the reactionaries actually worked for productive solutions, Jekyll would never need to consider more radical approaches. Most people love Jekyll, but their spending habits and vacation habits show that they left Jekyll behind in 1978. They have kicked and screamed and pushed legislation ignoring the long term hamstringing they have done to the island by not allowing the JIA to stay competitive with other resorts. Like it or not, Jekyll is a resort community and not a state park, and it has been since 1950.

By Cecelia

March 26, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Yikes! How can our representatives say this is about a parking lot? No wonder citizens of Georgia and the US are losing faith in our elected officials.

THIS ISSUE IS ABOUT PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE BEACH AND PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT.

Why aren’t our representatives and senators listening to the people? Why aren’t they doing the right thing for our environment and for future generations of Georgians? Why are the interests of Mercer Reynolds and Linger Longer more important to them then the people they represent?

By AlGore

March 26, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Pave Jekyll.

By Chichota Lion

March 26, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

There are well over 25 public beach access points on Jekyll, none of which will be removed or restricted by any new development. The people creating the spin against the project have their own agenda - they reside on the island and don’t want their private “state park/country club” island to become discovered. They have their slice of heaven on earth and will do anything to keep others from having it - including lies and half truths. The “only beach left” is tough to swallow. If you actually get out of your car & explore, there is much better beach on Jekyll - that already can’t be developed - than this location. You might (gasp) have to walk more than 20 feet to get there.

By Peetzie

March 26, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Now hush you ‘average Georgians’. Don’t you cry…. Poppa Legislator’s going buy hisself a diamond studded condo for you to rent. Never mind that the politically connected owners getting first dibs on buying one - some reallllly cheap- won’t be visiting there since it’s not gated, yet. This will be noted in the history books as being as corrupt as when the State first purchased the island and doled out the limited lots to the political glitterati only. What shameful stewardship.

By Linus

March 26, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Read the bill’s language, Buckner didn’t even know what was in her other bills. They would’ve forced the golf courses to only use shower water to water all the golf courses. Last year they protected a garbage collection area on the island’s south end. The problem is politics and those politicians that will lie to get their way. “Only remaining public beach access in Georgia”, this patch of asphalt. Come on.

By islandhow

March 26, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Money talks, and big money talks big. How easy it is to propose grandiose schemes that pour money into already rich pockets while raping the only pristine beach in Georgia. As a lifelong Republican, I can say I am ashamed of my party. Linger Longer has one goal: profit. Thousands of Georgians have a different goal: preserve the pristine beach of Jekyll.

By Snoopy

March 26, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Make Jekyll a state park and get rid of all those residents that have turned the place into a retirement community for snowbirds… Oh, we can’t do that because they have leases for $200 a year. Then make it a nice resort so I can come visit and spend some money.

By chief alewife

March 26, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

If the Jekyll redevelopers were honestly trying to do what they say they are doing, why are they employing thugs like Joe Tanner and his riff-raff as their lobbyists? People are rightfully known by the company they keep, particularly when then pay them.

By Fear me Frank

March 26, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

*IT IS NOT ABOUT PARKING LOTS Cover the Jekyll Beachfront with grass, just don’t cover it with hundreds of multi-million $$$ condos. It belongs to the people, not to millionaires like Eric Johnson or Ross Tolleson. Buckner and Chapman have got it right, keep the $2.3 federal money and protect the beachfront. Pass SB 367 intact without changes. Do the right thing for once.

By Chichota Lion

March 26, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Amazing how myths created by the AJC 50 years ago still last. After months of blasting the Island “The Atlanta Constitution undertook an investigative probe in 1964 to look into the matter and discovered that, out of 326 houses that had been built by 1964, only 15 belonged to present or former state legislators, state officials, or their family members. Although there is no question that the Authority did grant leases to former legislators to build beachside condominiums and apartments, the rumors of influence peddling appear to have been somewhat exaggerated” - go to http://www.jekyllisland.com/blogs/FROMMILLIONAIRESTOTHEMASSES.pdf for the full article. Read and learn for a change instead of just repeating what you “heard”

By ExPaul

March 26, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget the rally, this and every weekend, to get our $ from Ru Paul. It will be help in the underdeveloped parking lot.

By Georgia Native

March 26, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Listen to the people of Georgia… Legislators, please give up this plan to hand over development rights for our rarest, most affordable public beaches on the Georgia coast to the politically connected.

By Georgia Native

March 27, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

Comments about the necessity of giving the island over to the Governor’s developor friends bring to mind the story of killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. “Let’s give away the public beach for private condos and businesses so we can afford our public beach…” Don’t forget the very important point that Jekyll has continued to operate in the black even as the island has lost rooms as older hotels have been torn down. Think also of the loss to Georians as the developers receive subsidies to build new ones.

By Georgia Native

March 27, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

Comments about the necessity of giving the island over to the Governor’s developor friends bring to mind the story of killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. “Let’s give away the public beach for private condos and businesses so we can afford our public beach…” Don’t forget the very important point that Jekyll has continued to operate in the black even as the island has lost rooms as older hotels have been torn down. Think also of the loss to Georians as the developers receive subsidies to build new ones.

By Babs McDonald

March 27, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this

I am saddened that the Republican majority in our General Assembly, in the face of overwhelming bi-partisan citizen support to protect what is rightly ours (public land), continue to give a nod and a wink to wealthy developers and their friends. These people, who were elected to represent the citizens of this state, make a mockery of our representative system. I have not spoken with ANYONE who is in favor of destroying Jekyll’s open beach. I hope everyone will remember how well we have been represented in November. My thanks to Senator Chapman, Representative Buckner, and our legislators with integrity who support the protection of our State Park - for the citizens.

By Jennifer D. Massey

March 27, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

No one can fully stop progress, but there is a right place and a right time for every good thing. In this case Jekyll is not the right place for this progressive measure. Those of us who love Jekyll for it’s calm family atmosphere are willing to fight to preserve it. We don’t have much in left in our busy lives that respresent what Jekyll does and we won’t let that go easily.

By LeoT

March 27, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

Once again, the develop-Jekyll-to-the hilt fans rely on spin and twist to sell a project that few Georgians want. The substitue bill reported out of the House Natural Resources Committee allows for the existing PUBLIC amenity to be enhanced but bans the kind of development LL wants. As for the “few Jekyll residents opposed to all change argument,” that’s the same old tired chanat that’s been used by those trying to minimalize and marginalize statewide opposition to a conceptually-flawed development proposal, and to discount statewide support for much-needed, responsible revitalization for JI. The fact is that surveys conducted by various groups show widespread opposition to developing Jekyll’s remaining open beach. Even the JIA’s own most recent guest survey shows the same thing. Lastly, anyone who argues that Jekyll is loaded with open beach opportunities for the general public doesn’t understand that a beach needs to have an access point (parking, cross-over paths) in order to be accessssible, and that nearly all of Jekyll’s beach north of the one Linger Longer hopes to build along goes under water at mid-high tide on up. Of course, the “let’s go develop Jekyll” fans (Georgia’s Jewel is an “underexploited ‘product’, after all”) argue that the Jekyll town center (city?) will have the same 6 access points as currently exist, but I think there’s a big difference between an access point and accessibility, especially when a beach is lined with half-million condos dollars that few Georgians can afford.

By jekyll86

March 27, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

I don’t think anyone is “destroying beaches.” Again, the rhetoric. The bill is about a parking lot, not dunes or beaches and does nothing to protect them. If Fear me Frank wants to grass the parking lot, he doesn’t need to support this bill.

By Ken&Ellen

March 27, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

We’re old enough to have been beaten down by reality, but we still feel that our elected representatives primary responsibility is to protect us and our public resources from the developers and the corporations, not the other way around. Please, protect Jekyll Island from further development.

By Dr. Charmarie Blaisdell

March 27, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Jekyll certainly is a “honey-pot” for Georgia pols.I wonder how many have actually seen the models and mock-ups of Linger Longer’s plans that will cut off access points to the beach for Georgia’s citizens and tax payers? But then, it wouldn’t matter would it since pay-offs are undoubtedly involved here.Why else would the legislators be fighting so hard to develope Jekyll if this weren’t the case? How sad for Georgia and all of us who love Jekyll, live on Jekyll, visit Jekyll or come and leave tourist dollars on Jekyll. Linger Longer’s plans, no matter how much they and the pols deny it, will deny average Georgians a park and beach access that was covenanted to them. We leave,after spending another winter here, with heavy hearts as to what excrescences we will find when we return next year and sadness that the people of Georgia are the victims of this political corruption from the Sate House to Jekyll Island Authority.

By Dr. Charmarie Blaisdell

March 27, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Jekyll certainly is a “honey-pot” for Georgia pols.I wonder how many have actually seen the models and mock-ups of Linger Longer’s plans that will cut off access points to the beach for Georgia’s citizens and tax payers? But then, it wouldn’t matter would it since pay-offs are undoubtedly involved here.Why else would the legislators be fighting so hard to develope Jekyll if this weren’t the case? How sad for Georgia and all of us who love Jekyll, live on Jekyll, visit Jekyll or come and leave tourist dollars on Jekyll. Linger Longer’s plans, no matter how much they and the pols deny it, will deny average Georgians a park and beach access that was covenanted to them. We leave,after spending another winter here, with heavy hearts as to what excrescences we will find when we return next year and sadness that the people of Georgia are the victims of this political corruption from the Sate House to Jekyll Island Authority.

By Dr. Charmarie Blaisdell

March 27, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Jekyll certainly is a “honey-pot” for Georgia pols.I wonder how many have actually seen the models and mock-ups of Linger Longer’s plans that will cut off access points to the beach for Georgia’s citizens and tax payers? But then, it wouldn’t matter would it since pay-offs are undoubtedly involved here.Why else would the legislators be fighting so hard to develope Jekyll if this weren’t the case? How sad for Georgia and all of us who love Jekyll, live on Jekyll, visit Jekyll or come and leave tourist dollars on Jekyll. Linger Longer’s plans, no matter how much they and the pols deny it, will deny average Georgians a park and beach access that was covenanted to them. We leave,after spending another winter here, with heavy hearts as to what excrescences we will find when we return next year and sadness that the people of Georgia are the victims of this political corruption from the Sate House to Jekyll Island Authority.

By Sarah Turner

March 27, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

My family and I moved to St. Simons Island in 1993 from Gwinnett County. In 1993, St. Simons was still fairly undeveloped, unlike the money hungry people who are developing every last square inch they can today. Whereas before, one had to travel to the mainland to go to corporate chains, they have infiltrated the island. Do we really want to see the same thing happen to Jekyll Island? It is such a beautiful and serene environment. There are annual beach festivals, soccer fields right by the beach, a 4-H center that sponsors field trips for the local schools, sea turtle walks, and so on. If this development is allowed to take place, that will all be gone. My family has vacationed on Jekyll for 4 plus generations, and I know that my ancestors would be extremely upset to see something like this happen. Can’t we preserve at least one beautiful place without someone trying to make some money off of it? I mean, don’t these people already have enough money as it is? I’m sorry, but ruining a beautiful place to feed your greediness is not something that I nor any of my friends and colleagues from the area want. It’s time for the people of the area to take a stand against these money hungry developers. Please, leave the island as it is.

By Stanley

March 27, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

I think Dr. Blaisdell has it right. There must be a very large pay-off for these legislators to fight so hard to deprive the average citizens of Georgia access to what was originally established as a “State Park”, rather than another playground for the wealthy , of gated condo developments, luxury hotels, and boutique shopping.

Have they no shame?

By Tim Brown

March 27, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Will someone please listen to the people!? Money seems to be the only motivator in this entire process. Revamp, don’t destroy. Once plowed and blocked the beach is gone forever. Just look at any beach north or south of Jekyll. Better yet, go do more destruction of natural resources there. Give the island to developers and it will be lost to future generations of beach lovers. WE are 10 year monthly visitors and love the solitude of Jekyll. Jackson, WY

By Melissa Johnson

March 27, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

The people opposed to the LLC plan are not “only island residents with an agenda.” They are from a majority of counties all over the state and are also comprised of visitors to the island who happen to live out of state, like myself. I grew up in Georgia and my family still lives there. Instead of going home for my visits, we typically spend a week on the island, at least 2 or 3 times a year. The beach in question isn’t the only beach on the island- it is, however, the main public beach and the only one accessible at all tide times. The beach at St. Andrews sound, further down and protected from development already, while a great beach, is eaten up by the tide at times and is also full of silt- as you get closer to the south end of the island, the river and the ocean meet creating very murky and muddy water. That’s why those beaches aren’t as popular as the main beach which Linger Longer desires. The company originally proposed to develop 24 acres, replacing the convention center and building south and west. If they had stuck to that, which is what Rep. Buckner’s bill would allow, there wouldn’t be this huge uproar. They could still build a “town center” by replacing the existing strip mall and expanding back to where the gas station sits. They would still have a beachfront hotel and probably could have included condos in the mix. It was just plain greed, an apparent willingness of an authority headed by a developer and politicians who like Reynolds money that has led us into this situation. Oh, and it absolutely IS a State Park. Check the founding legislation.

By CL

March 27, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

I wish there was an old-fashioned muckraking reporter who would spend the time & effort to examine the connections, business and political, among all the proponents of this Linger Longer deal. Perhaps a bit of delving around by a responsible media organization might reveal some interesting (fishy?) stuff. For example, read today’s Headline in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/251/story/281316.html

By Ashley Chasteen

March 27, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

How can these two “play” constituents like this? How are those of us who are fighting to preserve Georgia’s Jewel rely on faulty impressions? Those concerned, please call your reps and urge them to support SB 367. We don’t need more concrete beaches pushing families of ordinary means out of a day trip to the beach. If the public wants a concrete jungle, they can go to Sea Island, Hilton Head, etc. Once we permanently alter Jekyll’s natural beauty for the almighty dollar, there is no going back.

By Douglas Ivey

March 27, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

I have nothing against Linger Longer; I’m sure they’re fine developers. I don’t own property on Jekyll. I’m not rich; my house is worth about $125M according to the tax folks. But Jekyll Island is PUBLIC PROPERTY. Before we RUSH to develop it, let’s slow down,and let’s be sure we’re doing the right thing by this piece of God’s creation. Once development is done, it will be impossible to undo it. This property is a STATE PARK and needs to be treated as such. The people need to decide; not politicians behind closed doors.

By mollie

March 27, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

New lyrics to an old song… “She screwed paradise, saved a parking lot….”

By Daniel Hope III

March 27, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

One can only hope that the irresponsible actions of our sitting legislators will be remembered when elections next take place. One can also hope that some investigative reporters at the AJC and other newspapers in Georgia are keeping close tabs on all legislators siding with the Jekyll Island Authority and Linger Longer. Each of these people should be closely watched to learn who is gaining what benefits for their support of a plan to implement a design that never received proper input from the public who owns Jekyll Island. One can only hope that all members of the Jekyll Island Authority who forgot they work for the people of Georgia will be seeking employment elswhere when this fiasco of insider trading among those elected and appointed to oversee the natural resources of Georgia ignore the laws and turn their backs on the people.