Senator Jeff Chapman has introduced 3 bills (SB 426, 427, and 428) with the purpose of protecting the main beach from development.
His bills are stuck in committee. Chip Pearson, chairman of the Senate Economic Development Committee wants to ask the JIA "whether the proposals would harm attempts to revitalize the park." My guess is they'll say yes since that's been their talking point so far. Call Sen. Pearson (404-656-5030) and ask him to give the Chapman bills a hearing. Another good person to call is Lt. Gov Casey Cagle.
Another bill has been introduced by Rep. Buckner in the General assembly. It's actually been granted a public hearing but curiously, no vote has been scheduled. Rep. Terry Barnard, chairman of the State Institutions and Property Committee, can change that. Give him a call at (404-656-5138).
LLC and the JIA falsely argue that the bills would kill "any serious attempt at revitalization." But it doesn't stop any redevelopment on existing beach front properties. It also doesn't restrict new development from taking place west of Beach View Road, as long as it doesn't encroach on previously protected areas- like marshland. The current LLC plan wouldn't fly since it hinges on the development being on restricted area and includes hundreds of new condos, which wouldn't be allowed.
BTW, when you look at before and after maps, you'll see Beach View Road. LLC spokesman Jim Langford says that "pushing new development west of Beach View Drive could put pressure on wetlands, the Historic District and similar key assets... There are a number of things west of Beach View that I think should be avoided," but seems to have no problem moving the road back so they can cram more condos and hotels between it and the beach. And cutting into the maritime forest to do it.
LLC, owned by Mercer and Jamie Reynolds has been trying, along with the JIA, to get the bills killed. One reason might be that despite saying they are open to public input on the proposal and are revising it, they've been shopping it around already.
Please call the people listed above; the legislation deserves to at least be heard.
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