Jekyll Island Authority Approves Private Partnering Agreement with Linger Longer Communities

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a called board meeting Monday, the Jekyll Island Authority approved a Private Partnering Agreement with Linger Longer Communities, establishing a public-private partnership intended to bring about revitalization and long-term sustainability of Jekyll Island. Linger Longer was selected by the Jekyll Island Authority in September 2007 as the revitalization partner, and has since worked with the Authority on a final Beach Village plan and a legal contract that establishes a long-term partnership.

The Beach Village plan, approved by the Jekyll Island Authority at its October meeting, creates a new public gathering place on Jekyll Island. The redevelopment project reconfigures the existing shopping district into a beachside village setting adjacent to a renovated and expanded convention center, two new hotels and a new vacation club.

Key features of the Beach Village include a large public park with additional green space and improved bicycle and pedestrian access along the entire beachfront, connecting a new plaza to public parking and enhanced beach access with improved public facilities. All beach access will remain open to the public. The final Beach Village plan is a scaled-down version of Linger Longer Communities' original concept, but one that addresses the desire of the public for limited development on Jekyll Island.

"We are pleased to get this partnering agreement approved," stated Bob Krueger, Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority. "I appreciate the dedicated efforts of our counsel with the Attorney General's office, the support of the Governor and the Legislative Oversight Committee, and especially the hard work of the negotiating teams on both sides. We will now move forward as a unified team and deliver to the citizens of Georgia a revitalized Jekyll Island that we all will be proud of."

The Beach Village revitalization agreement incorporates elements found in typical public-private re-development partnerships including private partner financial contributions, public bond financing, and appropriate ground leases. Over the next 25 years, the Jekyll Island Authority expects to generate in excess of $40 million in direct revenue alone from the Beach Village revitalization project. Additionally, the Authority will also receive incremental hotel/motel taxes, convention center revenues, and parking fees from increased island visitation.

The public portion of the Beach Village project will be supported by $25 million of public bonds. The Authority will repay the bonds directly from revenues generated by the new revitalization projects.

"Getting this agreement done in this economic climate is a great achievement, and I am proud of the hard work and commitment of this Board," commented Steve Croy, Vice Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority. "The Beach Village is vital to our revitalization efforts, which just took a mighty step forward."

Linger Longer Communities, a Georgia company based in Greensboro, Georgia, is known for quality planned developments on Lake Oconee in Greene County east of Atlanta, and in North Georgia. Linger Longer Communities has set themselves apart in their approach, creating communities which respect their natural surroundings.

"We are excited to get this partnership agreement accomplished and proud to now be a partner with the Jekyll Island Authority," states Mercer Reynolds, Chairman and CEO of Linger Longer Communities. "We look forward to assisting the JIA in achieving its vision of revitalizing Jekyll Island and making it a recreational and learning destination that all Georgians can enjoy for generations to come."

Linger Longer Communities brings to the partnership substantial experience in the development and operation of large-scale recreational facilities - as evidenced in its creation and management of such places as Reynolds Plantation, Reynolds Landing and Lake Oconee Village in Greene County, Georgia. Many of Linger Longer's projects consistently win national and international awards for the quality of their operations and the recreational experiences of their guests.

The revitalization of Jekyll Island seeks to establish the right balance of redevelopment with protection of the natural environment. All new building construction on the island is taking place on land that is already developed, and must comply with Jekyll Island's design guidelines and beach lighting ordinance in addition to existing environmental laws including the Georgia Shoreline Protection Act. State law also mandates that 65% of Jekyll Island must remain in a natural state. These important policies ensure that development on Jekyll Island will be limited and have minimal impact on sea turtle nesting habitat and other sensitive natural areas.

"Linger Longer, like our other hotel partners here on Jekyll Island truly 'gets it'," stated Jones Hooks, Jekyll Island's Executive Director. "Successful development must embrace limitations and protection, which is why people choose to come here."

Jekyll Island now boasts five revitalization projects at various stages. A new Hampton Inn & Suites is already under construction at the former site of the Holiday Inn and is expected to open late summer 2009. Last week, a new inn and cottage development was announced for the former site of the Ramada Inn, with an anticipated completion date of April 2011. The new Beach Village is also expected to be completed in 2011.

Jekyll Island currently has seven hotels open and operating, including the signature Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Other hotels along the beach include the Beachview Club, the Days Inn & Suites, Oceanside Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, Oceanfront Clarion Resort and Villas By The Sea. Cottages are also available for vacation rental; more information is available at jekyllisland.com. Information regarding all Jekyll Island revitalization projects and policies can be found at www.jekyllisland.com/news.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page