Stop Pier Road Shop Ousting in Jekyll Island's Historic DistrictBy signing this petition, I (signer) hereby:

• Request immediate, swift action by the Georgia Governor's Office, Jekyll Island State Park Oversight Committee, and Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors to stop JIA employees from executing their current plan to force these shop owners out of business.
• Request that Jekyll Island Board of Directors immediately direct JIA employees to STOP removing and/or requesting removal of social media posts written legally by individual citizens who have expressed concern on the execution of the action taken and how it is impacting current business owners, how it may impact other commercial tenants on the island and in the state of Georgia, and how it impacts tourist engagement with the Historic District.

Ousted shops include: The Commissary, Just By Hand, The Island House, Something for Everyone Gifts, Doc's Snack Shop, Cotton & Copper, and Island Sweets Shoppe.

Please support Pier Road independent shop owners in Jekyll Island's Historic District by signing this petition.

View Brunswick News article:
'New Direction for Jekyll Historic District Prompts Closing of Decades Old Businesses' https://thebrunswicknews.com/news/local_news/new-direction-for-jekyll-historic-district-prompts-closing-of-decades-old-businesses/article_f802cdec-4ed6-5fe4-b62b-bf39a72beece.html

As of right now, they have a mere 90 days left in their leased historic district shops. These are all independent small business owners, not part of Jekyll Island Authority or the resort. They have spent their own money to improve and maintain their locations over the years, and the way they are being treated is unprecedented. The Pier Road Shoppes are an integral part of the Jekyll Island experience. They have weathered so many storms (trailer relocations, pandemic, cancelled events and traditions that were important for generating revenue) - and prevailed, until now.

On Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 owners of the Pier Road Shoppes received certified letters from the Jekyll Island Authority notifying them that their leases would not be renewed at the end of the year, and that they would have to shutter their businesses and leave the premises by Dec. 31, 2023. Some of these shops have been open for decades, and to receive this news in a certified letter was devastating and shocking. They had no idea their leases would not be renewed. And there's no other available commercial space on the island where they can move to.

The Brunswick News reports, "A letter dated Tuesday, Sept. 19, informed them that the leases for the businesses along the road will need to meet with the authority’s lease manager to set up a time to “meet and turn over the premises.” It instructs businesses to review their leases for all move-out requirements “which include removing all your personal property and settling outstanding invoices.”

“After evaluating the future of Pier Road, including the historic assets located here, the Jekyll Island Authority is looking at enhancements to all operations found in the historic district area and will move in a new direction with the shops currently located along this road,” the letter said. “As a result, the Authority will not offer any renewal options for your business lease moving forward.’

“Currently, we do not have any additional commercial space available elsewhere on the island,” the letter continued. “Still, we encourage you to submit a business proposal as space becomes available and proposal requests are announced.”

Shop owners are being forced to close their businesses and surrender the leased premises during one of their highest tourist traffic periods of the year. How can they provide holiday cheer to Holly Jolly Jekyll visitors when they are now faced with the loss of their businesses - not to mention supporting their employees and creating a memorable experience for customers and visitors?

Please extend your support by joining us in petitioning the Governor of Georgia, Jekyll Island State Park Oversight Committee, and Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors. This action must be stopped to ensure fairness and transparency for all commercial tenants leasing government-owned properties.