Western Glynn poised for boom February 17, 2006 Land designation could bring 5,000 jobs, more than $50 million in taxes By KEITH LAING The Brunswick News Thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue could soon be found in the western half of Glynn County. The Glynn County Commission unanimously requested Thursday at its regular meeting that the Georgia General Assembly identify four tracts of land in western Glynn County owned by St. Andrews Plantation as a mixed-use Community Improvement District. If developed, the county estimates that the district could create 5,000 jobs and generate more than $50 million annually in property and sales taxes in the area, referred to in Glynn County deed books as Cabbage Bluff and Dover Hall Tracts 2, 4, 6 and 9. The property fronts portions of U.S. 82 and Georgia 99, near the Turtle River, and sits on 2,800 acres. Plans call for it to feature both residential and commercial properties, including a golf course and a marina on the river. Being designated a Community Improvement District would allow the county to levy an additional 2 and a half percent in property taxes on the commercial properties, and use those funds exclusively to provide infrastructure within the area. The use of those funds would be decided by a seven-member board consisting of two county commissioners and five district property owners. Under Georgia law, the special taxation rules would last for six years, but could be renewed for an additional six years. Glynn County Commissioner Cap Fendig said the development will represent the first phase of what will ultimately be an 8,000-acre development project in the area. He said the project will benefit the county tremendously. "It's going to be a huge asset to our port facility and a very good stimulant to port activity," he said. "It's going to be a great project." As of today, the Georgia General Assembly has 20 days remaining in its 2006 legislative calendar to consider the county's request.