How should development take place?

What type? How much? Where? At what price? All good questions. 

The biggest problem I have with the LLC town center proposal (although I have many problems with it) is that they solved none of those questions with public input. They presented a massive plan then asked people to react to it. Now they say they are open to public input but it seems like they don't really care if people don't like it. They argue for the development to be on the beach in a way that makes me feel it's a done deal, they aren't even considering where else they might put it. Oh, they might save the children's playground or something; but the main plan will stay as is. At least that's my impression.

It's worth repeating over and over that most people who know anything at all about the island agree that revitalization needs to happen. And, there are properties being redeveloped as I type (see post below). So why such a massive development on the beach? From what I can tell, it's because development consultants said that's where it should go. Not the public. Jim Langford and Eric Garvy stated that in a recent radio interview. But what if a development- scaled down to be more in character of the island- was located somewhere else? Say, on one of the golf courses? Would people still come if the new development wasn't on the beach? Of course they would. Absolutely. And one of the unique selling point of Jekyll would remain intact; it's beautiful main beach free of the same hotels and condos that clutter other destinations up and down the east coast.

So. What type? How much? Where? At what price?

While hotels on the island are upgrading or being rebuilt, there's definitely room for one or two more. I'm less opposed to condos than most but I think it should be about 3/4 hotels to 1/4 condos. And being the lover of good food that I am, it would be great to have some more dining options. As for retail, I don't really know what else would be needed. Upgrading or completely rebuilding the strip mall area would be nice but adding more? Between the mall and the historic district, most retail is kind of covered. 

Even if you are for more development, there's an alternative to placing it directly on the beach. Clayton Porter, an island resident and successful businessman whose business is actually on the island, wrote an interesting counter proposal the LLC/JIA which works in the parameters of the RFP the JIA originally sent out.

He suggests that the development be moved inland; re-working 2 golf courses, a 9-hole and an 18-hole. His idea is to take 9 holes of the 18-hole course, which adds up to around 45-acres (what the original RFP called for) and put the new convention center, hotel and town center there. The remaining 9 holes could be combined with the other 9 hole course to create a spectacular golfing facility, one that would surely be a destination if done correctly (and if you know anything about LLC, they can do golf courses).

Porter says that "Once the project is completed then demolish the existing Convention Center and Shopping Center. Allow the area where the Convention Center and Shopping Center are located to return to Nature."

Some of his supporting points include: 

• Convention Center, Hotel(s), Condos, Time Shares and Shopping would be centralized within walking distance of the Historic District and the golf course. 
• Existing roads could provide adequate avenues for transit. 
• Visitors traveling east on Fortson Pkwy would have a great view of the Atlantic Ocean as they near Beachview Drive. 
• If Jekyll Island is hit by a major storm we may avoid extensive clean up of the beach area where structures may be destroyed.  If you have ever seen the clean up process of heavily damaged structures on a beach after a hurricane you may know that it can be more devastating than the damage caused by the storm. 
• Many Guests could have beautiful lakeside views. 
• Hatchling Sea Turtles would not be drawn to the lighting that will be necessary if additional structures are allowed to be constructed along ocean. 
• Many trees may be saved as areas of the golf course are already open where building could be constructed. 
• Shops, grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store and post office would be closer to the areas where most of the residents live. 
• Building the new shopping area and Convention Center Complex near the Historic District will provide a broader range of activities for visitors during their stay on Jekyll. 
• The Fire Department would be closer to the Convention Center Hotel. 
• All Jekyll visitors, whether they are here for the day, week or month will have adequate beachside parking.

He contends that visitors staying in the area that desire to go to the beach can walk, bike, drive or take a scheduled tram that the JIA may provide for a fee.In closing, Porter says, "We currently have Villas by the Sea, Jekyll Oceanfront Clarion, Beachview Club, Oceanside, Days Inn and soon the Jekyll Islands Club’s new hotel, Canopy Bluff and potentially a hotel at the old Ramada site that can accommodate visitors that want to be near the Beach." 

Sounds good, depending on the size. And again, would people come? Yes. Of course. Isn't that the point?