Jekyll changes also subject to Senate bill

Senators filed their own bill Friday on a proposal to open up more of Jekyll Island to possible development.

Mirroring a bill already introduced in the House, Senate Bill 296 appears to reflect changes approved in October by the Jekyll Island Authority. Instead of requiring that no more than 35 percent of the island be available for commercial development, the authority wanted to settle on a hard number. The compromise was 1,675 acres.

All but 78 of those acres are already developed, and the bill sets out specific rules for how that remaining land may be improved. Twelve acres are set aside for expansion of the existing campground; 20 acres are available for “unrestricted uses”; and the remaining 46 acres must be used for “public health, public safety or public recreation.”