Senator: Jekyll misrepresented revenue, visitor numbers
More development is not needed, he says


The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/27/08

A state senator on Tuesday accused the Jekyll Island Authority of misrepresenting revenue and visitor numbers to make the case for more development in the state park.

Sen. Jeff Chapman (R-Brunswick), whose district includes the barrier island, said his research showed the authority under-reported revenue by $11.3 million over the past 10 years. He said it had not reported a reserve account until recently.

RELATED LINK:
More metro and state news

"The picture is not as bad [as the authority wants] people to believe it is," he said. "This attitude that they've got to build hundreds and hundreds of condominiums and sell those condominiums and this big commercial hub, and building it on the people's open parking and beach area, is not necessary. It's unwise."

Authority Chairman Ben Porter, a businessman who has developed coastal property, said Tuesday he had not had a chance to review Chapman's numbers.

"I have no idea what he's talking about," Porter said. "I couldn't comment on anything until I see what he said."

Chapman said he has not run his figures, which he got through research in the State Archives, by the authority, which he said had not responded to earlier requests for information.

Chapman is pushing three bills to let the island's hotels and conference center be rebuilt on their existing footprints but not allow more homes or condominiums.

The authority approved a developer's $352 million, 64-acre project to add 1,100 hotel, condo, cottage and time-share units to the park, which would require demolishing the convention center and a parking lot.

"I'm sure everybody would like to have a condo or home in a state park," Chapman said, "but that's simply not the right thing."

Inside AJC.COM

Summery sips

Summery sips

Long, hot days have inspired these six cool cocktails. Bottoms up!

Beyonce concert review

Beyonce concert review

Watch a video of fans re-enacting their favorite parts of Beyonce's Atlanta concert.

Best of Luckovich: June

Best of Luckovich: June

Vote for your favorite Mike Luckovich editorial cartoons on local new, politics, celebrities and more!

Ingenuity + yard = fun

Ingenuity + yard = fun

Boredom and lack of money are the mothers of invention when it comes to lawn games such as lawn Scrabble.

Romantic vacation tales

Romantic vacation tales

Our new travel story contest centers on your most romantic vacation tales. Tell us, lovers.

Private Quarters Splurge

Private Quarters Splurge

Husband and wife architects created a modern house that's still warm and inviting.

Kudzu Services » Find the right people for the job