Stop Ousting of Pier Road Historic District Shops in Jekyll Island

Please reconsider your decision to close the shops , maybe relocate ? This is a source of income for most of them . The loss of income will be felt enormously.

The news that the Pier Rd shops on Jekyll Island will be closed is both sad & disappointing. My husband, Andy, and I first visited Jekyll on our honeymoon more than 30 years ago. We both fell in love with the charm and beauty of this peaceful paradise. We then moved there and were residents for over 20 years. Sadly, we have seen the peacefulness, charm, and beauty of Jekyll, slowly, but surely, deteriorate over the years. The Pier Rd Shops are the heart and life of the Historic District. The owners there have struggled to survive and keep their businesses going during the rough times. They have invested many years of their own lives and their own financial resources, to help the economy of the Island grow into the successful tourist industry it is today. It seems a cruel and devastating blow to these dedicated folks, both shop owners, and their loyal employees, some who have been there for many years during the hard times, helping to make Jekyll the thriving tourist destination it is today, suddenly, with very little notice be told to vacate. (Should have been three years ago when the decision was made.) What a devastating financial blow to them all, with seemingly no consideration for the financial losses they surely will all incur, not to mention any consideration for their many years of loyalty and dedication in helping to make the Jekyll Historic District the wonderful, enjoyable place it is to visit today. The Pier Rd Shops provide a wonderful selection of unique gifts, and souvenirs , not found other places. My husband and I have loved visiting the island, and especially the shops on Pier Rd, and seeing the same familiar, friendly faces, hearing warm welcomes, and making us glad to be 'home' on Jekyll Island again! We truly hope this very special experience on Jekyll won't be destroyed for all those of us who enjoy and appreciate it so very much!

These shops are perfect for visitors and locals while in the historic district.

I have lived on Jekyll and in the local area most of my life. Jekyll is home to me and every time i go home, i goto the historic district just for the shops. When I go to the festivals, I stop by the shops. They are unique and I love the hand made items you can get. You cannot find things like this anywhere else.

I would love it if the history could be preserved and stay original

There are amazing people that have worked in the historic district shops for years and years. It isn’t right that they are being kicked out and their livelihoods turned upside down. Not to mention, changing the historic shops into something different will take away from the atmosphere that has always made Jekyll, Jekyll. I have been supportive of some of the previous changes as I know the island has to grow with the times, but this isn’t right and I truly believe will hurt the island. Please reconsider and let the people who work in these shops, and who have supported Jekyll Island for decades, continue to do what they love in the places they love. Don’t throw away the people who make Jekyll island and the historic district an amazing place that people want to keep visiting.

We love the shops. The history and charm here cannot be replaced!

This is another example on how our government is failing the citizens. Instead of embracing our small businesses they want to encourage businesses that will monopolize big government supported businesses.

Governor Kemp, The actions of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority in closing the shops on Pier Road is a travesty. Those owners have invested a lot of money over the years and the JIA had no problem for years. Now, for some unknown reason, they want to cancel the leases. As a former business owner on Pier Road in the mid 1990's, Picture This Old Time Photos, we stayed for three years and did not choose to renew our lease. The main reason was because the JIA did almost nothing to promote the businesses or to have adequate signage to get people to the historic district shops. We, the business owners, put up Christmas lights along Pier Road to be more appealing to our visitors, held special events, etc. Sadly, the foot traffic was not there. Now JIA is not renewing the leases after the businesses have bought merchandise preparing for the Shrimp and Grits Festival and the Christmas Holidays. They may have violated the Sunshine Law by secret meetings to decide what they are going to do, and Mark Williams said as much when he gave a presentation for the Friends of Historic Jekyll Island last month, when he was 1 hour late. Please Sir, Stop this tragic decision. Respectfully submitted

the shops and their owners are one of the reasons we come from Boston to Jekyll Island

Unfair to small businesses

This is an outrage!

I support the shops!

Outrageous and unfair

Stop trying to fix things that aren’t broke

The JIA needs to work with the shop owners to come to some mutually agreeable solution to wind down there business’s in a reasonable fashion.

Very disappointed in the JIA for pulling such a low handed action against the Pier Rd shops. I will be happy to sign this petition and encourage others to do the same...

What a loss to the island this would be. These people have worked years to develop their businesses and deserve to be treated with more respect.

Stop robbing the character of Jekyll Island as a family Island. Families no longer can afford the high hotel rates or climbing restaurant dining. Please don’t ignore these facts or the repeat generations visiting Jekyll esp the historic cottages. What?! Notice of 3 months to vacate? Where is your heart? I know, it’s the green tender only in your heart.

I support local businesses.. That is an awesome part of jekyll and what makes it authentic..