[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6123684,"mediaKeyId","2689179-6aa6e8c5e7507b49304b22f37dc5aefd","parentId",2689179,"title","JDA: Developer in default on former Gilman paper mill loan; county may foreclose if debt not cured","audioSeconds",706,"startMs",1077000,"endMs",1783000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2689179-6aa6e8c5e7507b49304b22f37dc5aefd&start=1077&end=1783","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2689179-6aa6e8c5e7507b49304b22f37dc5aefd/thumbnail_1077000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6123684/Camden-County/Georgia/JDA-Developer-in-default-on-former-Gilman-paper-mill-loan-county-may-foreclose-if-debt-not-cured","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6123684-993ac2134ca68465bb058ada9bcd8f37/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152347&Signature=O~waKTtlzkwHQbjxI6g54NInyUE58YIllV2x4DD3suG-OWOIQRYJhZsI9RgGD4avRPNZPD1mM1tvKoWu~LXpIXjJ3lw~tv~xOeElKxk449rI1JgG~CXTXQdju5-Vh2kCwK-lgaIkjgMaIdgHKXQagnXoPaz2RWwo5o6Ri23sbMnB6AKF0FVMbPmrYLWn~dNqyXu9q5I4PIEpbo7Lp5wfPQtB9Uh9YyMSahoak6TRWxcftB62W~DzcRKmCdtHbR4dCqBiaaCpwuru8wr9CkUuKneE01VYP8FBmdZUxBHQkHbHrnmuN8yle7~cMM8SuC-yiV8V6UzJJ9s~8gNfFk9kiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-19T11:23:41Z","article","James Coughlin, executive director of the Joint Development Authority, told the Camden County Board of Commissioners that a developer who planned to redevelop the former Gilman paper mill in St. Marys is in default on a loan secured by both the developer's company pledge and the property.

Coughlin said the borrower missed an interest-only payment due in February — about $182,000 — and has not cured the default. “The only way for them to cure this debt right now is to pay us off entirely,” Coughlin said. He said JDA counsel had accelerated the debt and that foreclosure advertising would begin April 3; the JDA planned a foreclosure sale on May 6 if the developer does not pay the full amount.

The JDA executive director gave financial details: the original loan principal and capitalization totaled $10.8 million, which included roughly $77 million in planned site take-down costs and about $1.5 million in predevelopment expenses capitalized as interest; Coughlin said the remaining figure is capitalized interest. He said the current payoff figure for the borrower to \"get a hold now\" would be about $9.3 million. County property appraisers had recently valued the parcel at roughly $11 million, Coughlin said.

Why it matters: the mill property is large and complex, with development and environmental constraints, and it drew interest because of a marina permit that covers the southern end of the site. Coughlin told commissioners the JDA still holds a marina permit issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in 2019 and renewed in 2022; that permit he said would expire in 2027 but would be eligible for a five-year renewal at that time. He added that several developers and real-estate investment groups had contacted the JDA about acquiring the site if foreclosure proceeds.

Coughlin described JDA options if the developer does not cure the loan: either a third-party buyer would acquire the property at foreclosure, or the JDA would take title and subdivide and sell parcels consistent with Saint Marys zoning. “Our debt will be paid off. So that will not be the responsibility of the county to step in,” Coughlin said.

Coughlin also used the JDA quarterly update to summarize Camden Forward, the JDA’s five-pronged operations and business plan for the fiscal year: product development, nontraditional economic development (film and tourism), combating blight, supporting entrepreneurs, and purposeful intergovernmental collaboration. He said the Camden County Industrial Park is effectively full, with one roughly four-acre parcel remaining under contract, and that the JDA is pursuing a new industrial site west of Highway 17 (a proposed initial 50 acres with an option on a further 100 acres) where wetlands permitting and zoning “are already in place,” but an access road is needed.

On small-business assistance, Coughlin reviewed the Targeted Investment Program (TIP), a loan product for commercial property owners inside downtown development districts (Woodbine, Kingsland, and parts of St. Marys). The program offers up to $25,000 over 10 years at 2 percent interest; underwriting is conducted by the Coastal Area District Development Authority. Coughlin said one applicant had received the full $25,000 and that others had not qualified.

He described the JDA’s work with the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship at the College of Coastal Georgia to expand local entrepreneur supports, and he said the JDA maintains FilmCoastalGeorgia, a website that helps film producers register projects and navigate permitting in county cities. Coughlin also summarized other site activity: an Italian waterfront company (identified as CJ) had poured foundations at the industrial park and another substation project was underway with Okefenokee EMC.

Ending: Coughlin said he wanted the public record to reflect the JDA’s current position on the mill property because the matter had appeared in social media and publications. He asked commissioners to note that, if the borrower cures the debt, development could proceed; if not, foreclosure and resale are the JDA’s remedy.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting - March 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","James Coughlin, executive director of the Joint Development Authority, told the Camden County Board of Commissioners that a developer is in default on a loan secured by the former Gilman paper mill and that foreclosure advertising will begin April 3 if the debt is not cured.","taxTitle","Camden County, Georgia","taxId",28223,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6123679,"Commission approves capital-improvement plan, playground surfacing, financial adviser contract and other items",475,2001000,2476000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2689179-6aa6e8c5e7507b49304b22f37dc5aefd&start=2001&end=2476","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2689179-6aa6e8c5e7507b49304b22f37dc5aefd/thumbnail_2001000.jpg","/articles/6123679/Camden-County/Georgia/Commission-approves-capital-improvement-plan-playground-surfacing-financial-adviser-contract-and-other-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6123679-de6afd5ab3c694023ccad642aa8eb209/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152347&Signature=BsjgpNqkfjQvupErv-tG3vMwZX0CHW9JSrUkxiI9S5xHqUDBiRnNI~YQCVlZk38bmhQE4roHcuUpMtbjAdF8SOUDKWhrzYzYd~3WKw~pQwlDBf9I9GJWky4HCO41bDmMbuac1Jep9BL39AG-AvNuvfApro2pcrVRjMx9jyu0gp9GA~NoEN~LIMN~cOdrcRD7sSD5HH~SwNkjLkIHagZ11b~pt62vAEYLBNW7OAU4nNhJ6019cFMrJEAEg4m9SD0MONLGmhhIikq42agZBIyOkWzty4A8SH4WY7dPDPxnkALN3yhCw0hcyalOqaiuLWwEIPQQJsLnw5T~lYEKU8wWuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Camden County Board of Commissioners voted on several staff-recommended items at its regular meeting.

Capital Improvement Element: Commissioners approved the final 2025 Capital Improvement Element, a state-required annual update that keeps the county eligible for certain grant programs. Staff said the draft had been reviewed by the Coastal Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs before the county vote. “This report is required to be updated annually in order to be considered a qualified local government for any grant applications,” a staff presenter said. A motion to adopt the element carried.

Playground surfacing at Cornelia Jackson Memorial Park: The board approved purchase of a poured-in-place playground surface made from tire-derived material from Pro Playgrounds. Purchasing received three quotes and staff said the Pro Playgrounds quote of $95,400 met grant requirements and was the lowest compliant bid; the county had secured a grant for $98,175. Staff said using tire-derived material will repurpose roughly 32,100 pounds of recycled rubber — the equivalent of about 2,140 tires — for a seamless, durable playground surface. A motion to approve the purchase carried.

Financial advisory services for bond financing: Commissioners approved an agreement with Davenport & Company to act as financial advisor and fiduciary as the county explores public bond financing for jail and sheriff’s office projects. County staff described a two-part fee structure: non‑transactional advisory services are capped at $25,000; transaction-related fees (for bond issues sold in the public market) were described by staff as likely in the $75,000–$150,000 range depending on complexity. Staff estimated a potential public bond issue could be around $35 million but said the final bond size would depend on market conditions and the county’s credit rating. Davenport’s representative, Ricardo Cornejo, told the board that the contract may be terminated with 30 days’ written notice and that costs of issuance — including bond counsel and rating agency fees — would be paid from the bond proceeds, not the county’s operating fund. The motion to contract with Davenport carried.

University of Georgia Extension agreement: The board approved the county’s annual funding commitment to University of Georgia Extension for fiscal 2025–26, a $96,645 pledge that helps support Extension positions, including a 4‑H educator. A motion to approve the agreement carried.

Victim advocates grant disbursement (VOCA): Commissioners approved a staff recommendation to accept disbursement of victim‑advocate grant funds and to direct that the VOCA monies be used to pay victim advocates directly; the action will be credited against the district attorney’s existing budget and is intended to free county budget dollars to allow a hire of an intake clerk. Staff emphasized that the action credits the current budget rather than increasing the district attorney’s total budget. The motion carried following discussion.

Direction on animal-control/code enforcement: Commissioners also moved to direct staff to prioritize an update to the county’s animal-control ordinance. During a separate presentation staff outlined state code provisions governing creation of a code enforcement board (Ga. Code §§ 36-74-22, 36-74-23, 36-74-28) and recommended a five-member enforcement board if the county proceeds. The board took initial action to establish a code enforcement board, and then directed staff to begin with a review of the animal-control ordinance as the top priority.

Ending: For most votes the meeting record shows a motion, a second and a roll-call or voice approval; the clerk recorded that these motions carried or were approved by the board. Several items carried without recorded roll-call tallies in the public transcript.","The Camden County Board of Commissioners approved several staff recommendations including the 2025 Capital Improvement Element, purchase of tire-derived playground surfacing, a financial advisory services agreement for possible bond financing, the county’s annual University of Georgia Extension funding, and VOCA victim-advocate disbursement.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6123674,"Commission directs staff to prioritize animal-control ordinance update and discusses code enforcement board",1306,3384000,4690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2689179-6aa6e8c5e7507b49304b22f37dc5aefd&start=3384&end=4690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2689179-6aa6e8c5e7507b49304b22f37dc5aefd/thumbnail_3384000.jpg","/articles/6123674/Camden-County/Georgia/Commission-directs-staff-to-prioritize-animal-control-ordinance-update-and-discusses-code-enforcement-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6123674-247547d2e2c267fa04207eff871b67d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152347&Signature=TJDecsP7uiJGaY-7KJCkGpGT20qPqY~oqXaaho8baffdzv2DURAm-s5O4tghC5GP4664EjGz2WPoK2kF87DHXrdaMesIGaej9mW5AK3-8wSqFDL8jEJZwA5FJzIzzNvXwn7F3hCM8tB34mzcY~3rUxfq3aShqH~oLjjT1BHpPYcwWeKJSFT9Jne9sieq0BJ9HUFBnYoB9L2U3fb1x9oqmbf5gxPMGZLPDtPV1Tzwm6Vi7rPwJebMM1qfTwOc7l1JNiacWeaxQCqFns78AKt7Rr7-7venhJsqdNgRj97ZwKZ36cpo7ufcJlkZMslC6LrlVkA0YXv0Nbjzz6hKw4RthA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Seth Collins, deputy county administrator, and Jared Wells, public protection and compliance, briefed the Camden County Board of Commissioners on the state law framework for establishing a code enforcement board and urged a comprehensive review of county enforcement ordinances.

Collins cited Georgia Code provisions that govern enforcement boards and appeals, and recommended a five-member enforcement board with staggered terms if the county chooses to establish one. “A code enforcement board member must be residents of the jurisdiction they serve,” Collins said, summarizing Ga. Code § 36-74-22. He also noted that appeals of a code enforcement board’s final administrative order go to superior court as a hearing de novo under Ga. Code § 36-74-28.

Wells and staff described recurring enforcement problems, especially in animal control. Staff recommended updating the fee structure (staff noted the current fee amount used in magistrate court review and suggested raising animal-control violation fines to about $500), creating repeat‑offender penalties, and tightening definitions and classifications for dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs. Wells said current county code sometimes prevents classifying an animal as “vicious” if the animal has attacked another animal but not a person, and that creating an intermediate classification such as “potentially dangerous” could give more enforcement options.

Commissioner discussion focused on enforcement practicality and limits of local authority. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate any fine-structure changes with the magistrate court (Judge Lewis was named in the discussion) because magistrate‑court procedures currently affect fines. Commissioners also expressed concern about adding new unelected boards; several opposed adding an additional layer of government if similar results could be achieved by updating existing ordinances. Several commissioners urged staff to identify repeat offenders and target enforcement to the small group that generates most complaints.

The board authorized staff to begin with the animal-control ordinance update as the top priority and took initial action toward establishing a code enforcement board; staff were directed to draft a proposed ordinance, a recommended fee schedule, and an intergovernmental or memorandum agreement that would clarify responsibilities for any positions funded by VOCA or other grants.

Ending: Staff said ordinance revisions will require legal review and coordination with the magistrate court, and that additional resources would be required if the county increases enforcement expectations.","Camden County staff briefed commissioners on the statutory framework for a county code enforcement board and the board directed staff to begin with an update to the animal-control ordinance to address repeat offenders, fines and dangerous-dog classifications.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

JDA: Developer in default on former Gilman paper mill loan; county may foreclose if debt not cured

Commission approves capital-improvement plan, playground surfacing, financial adviser contract and other items

Commission directs staff to prioritize animal-control ordinance update and discusses code enforcement board