It's not all Jekyll Island....

Jekyll Island isn't the only place being threatened. Downtown Brunswick is also caught amidst a controversy over expansion of the Glynn County Jail. The controversy pits the Glynn County Commission against Defend Downtown Brunswick, LLC, a group of concerned local citizens, many of whom have a stake in Brunswick and its future. 

DDB is taking its message on the road, and will conduct a town hall informational meeting Tuesday Feb. 5 at 5:30 pm at the Demere Road firehouse on St. Simons Island.

This admittedly is a much more local issue than the Jekyll Island discussion. It is, however, no less important to ALL residents of Glynn County, not just those who live in Brunswick. If you can spare the time, I hope you will come out and hear what they have to say.

-- JB



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Defend Downtown Brunswick, LLC is holding a crucial informational meeting at 5:30 on Tuesday, February 5th at the new Fire Station on Airport Rd. at Demere Rd. on SSI. The Glynn County Commissioners' plans to expand the maximum security prison currently on Newcastle St. will consume initially another 1-2 blocks min. along our downtown waterfront taking down homes and businesses in its path and create a huge brick monolith at the gateway to the Historic District. While there is an alternative 14-acre county owned site recommended by consultants, our County Commissioners seem cavalier about exercising Eminent Domain to acquire all the property needed along Newcastle St. As a business decision, this expansion will devalue surrounding properties, thwart revitalization and restoration efforts, eliminate the opportunity for more appropriate development and lower the city's tax revenue basis. 

The County Commissioners had claimed the decision to expand in the current location was voted on in public session several months ago and that it was already "a done deal". However, it has been revealed that our County Commissioners had been discussing, planning and voting on this issue in closed Executive Session which is in direct violation of the Sunshine Law. There was NO opportunity given for public opinion! 

Please come hear the FACTS, be informed, be vocal: Tuesday, Feb. 5th at 5:30 at Airport Rd. Fire Station on SSI.

Then on Thursday, February 7th at 5:30 come gather with other supporters in front of the County Courthouse at Union St. and G Street to protest the Commissioners' actions. There were over 150 who showed up last month wearing red to protest. It got the attention of our Commissioners. By their own admission now the County Commissioners will be voting to adopt the resolution to build the expansion between I and J Street along the waterfront. They will vote on exercising the use of Eminent Domain to do so as well. It is VITAL to give our County Commissioners a visual showing of opposition. Commissioner Cap Fendig has stepped out in opposition of using government power to condemn private property when there is a viable alternative. The other Commissioners MUST know the people are against this measure. Nearly every other county in Ga. has successfully moved their detention/judicial centers out of their downtown areas. Glynn county should be smart enough to do the same!

Please come protest (permits have been acquired) and attend the County Commissioner's meeting Thursday, Feb. 7th at 5:30 WEAR RED at the County Courthouse at Union St. and G St. Bring your "MOVE THE JAIL" sign or there will be some available for a $5 donation.

Visit www.DefendDowntownBrunswick.com 
258-1588