Jekyll Island officials Thursday defended their decision to give millions of dollars in incentives to companies developing new hotels.
The explanation came at the first-ever meeting of the Jekyll Island Oversight Committee. The 5-member legislative panel was formed this year after a public furor over island development.
Jekyll Island Authority Board Chairman Ben Porter told lawmakers, developers needed the incentives to upgrade the island's aging hotel stock. Porter said, "It's a standard business practice to accommodate the early stages of new development."
That, however, did not sit well with many in the audience, including islander Jean Poleszak, who said she smelled a "Sweetheart Deal."
"The economy's going like crazy and it's beachfront property that everybody wants," said Poleszak. "I think they ought to pay the Jekyll Island Authority and the people of Georgia."
Lawmakers also questioned how much of the new development will be affordable. At their next meeting, they'll discuss a controversial Master Plan for the island.
The explanation came at the first-ever meeting of the Jekyll Island Oversight Committee. The 5-member legislative panel was formed this year after a public furor over island development.
Jekyll Island Authority Board Chairman Ben Porter told lawmakers, developers needed the incentives to upgrade the island's aging hotel stock. Porter said, "It's a standard business practice to accommodate the early stages of new development."
That, however, did not sit well with many in the audience, including islander Jean Poleszak, who said she smelled a "Sweetheart Deal."
"The economy's going like crazy and it's beachfront property that everybody wants," said Poleszak. "I think they ought to pay the Jekyll Island Authority and the people of Georgia."
Lawmakers also questioned how much of the new development will be affordable. At their next meeting, they'll discuss a controversial Master Plan for the island.
