Frequently Asked Questions
Environment
How are you building in an environmentally-friendly fashion?
Our plans call for close adherence to newly developed Earthcraft Community Coastal Guidelines so that all site planning, development and construction will follow state-of-the-art sustainable building practices (find out more at www.earthcrafthouse.com/communities/coastal.htm). All commercial buildings will also meet or exceed LEED Silver Standards, and all flat-roofed buildings will be “green roofs” (visit www.usgbc.org/LEED/ for more information on LEED). All ground surfaces within the Village, including all new roads and sidewalks, will be pervious surfaces, and the Village will have comprehensive rain and water runoff capture systems.
Tagged: jekyll island, revitalization, development, environment
You reference increased public access to the beaches. Will this mean more crowded beaches?
We believe that the Jekyll beaches are wonderful, and should be enjoyed by more Georgians. We do expect more visitors to the beach in the Village area, but increased visitation on this relatively short stretch of beach does not mean that other beaches on Jekyll will be more crowded. For those visitors that want a beach environment removed from the Village area, we propose modestly enhancing beach amenities in some of the other parts of Jekyll. In the Village beach area, six public access points will be provided with their own bathrooms.
Tagged: jekyll island, revitalization, access, public, environment
The Environmental Discovery Center is where Jekyll visitors can become acquainted with the Georgia Coast and more specifically with all that Jekyll Island can offer. This center becomes a key first impression that sets the tone and identity for the Jekyll Island Experience. The Center will provide a central “starting point” location for eco-tourists and regular visitors interested in the environment, and it will help them find their way to the Sea Turtle Center and other environmental assets on Jekyll. The Environmental Discovery Center would be within walking distance of both the existing Convention Center, the proposed site of the new Convention Center, and two of the largest hotels on the island.
Tagged: jekyll island, revitalization, environmental discovery center
What kind of traffic increase do you project?
We expect more visitors to Jekyll as a result of our plans, but by developing Jekyll Island Village as a walkable area, many visitors and guests will likely park once and walk from there. We will also be building new and upgrading old bike paths and sidewalks to encourage walking and cycling. Our roads will be built to accommodate traffic, but not to encourage driving.
Tagged: jekyll island, revitalization, access
Why are you suggesting a linear arboretum?
Expanding the concept of multi-use trails acting as educational “threads” or opportunities, we believe that part of the island trail system could become the backbone for a linear arboretum. Implementing this arboretum would involve replanting native trees in places where the native tree environment has been in need of restoration. Implementing this arboretum would also entail accentuating existing trees with signage and selective care including pruning of specimen trees. School children, researchers and vacationers all would enjoy and benefit from this kind of educational and outdoor experience. Interpretation of the natural environment can and should take place outdoors whenever possible so as to supplement what happens within the confines of built interpretive facilities.
Tagged: jekyll island, revitalization, environment
How will the expansion of the water treatment plant affect the island?
An expansion of the water treatment plant will not be necessary in the short or medium term. Beyond that time frame, we would propose that any new expansion be undertaken with the aid of state-of-the-art technology and in a manner that is maximally respectful of the natural and cultural resources of Jekyll Island.
Tagged: jekyll island, revitalization, environment