Williams presented conceptual details to the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority.
Those details include a 40 foot waterfall that will greet Islands visitors, a natural sanctuary, a suspension gateway bridge, and pedestrian friendly walkways with streets where motorists will be limited to 20 miles an hour.
Williams said the plan also includes a wedding chapel and a large capacity ampi-theater with at least 4,000 seats to attract major entertainers and shows.
Williams compared the economic impact of his re-development to the arrival of the Georgia KIA auto manufacturing plant.
"We believe that it has that same capacity for Georgia and for this region to be as big an economic driver, create as many jobs, create as many dollars of revenue flowing through this area, it's on that scale," Williams said.
Authority Board member Joanie Owens said the plan would open up the Islands and bring in big economic impact.
"It will be a place, a destination for families who will want to come over to restaurants to eat because they can, they can get to it without being blocked off," Owens said.
Williams announced he would eliminate the entry fee to the islands to make it more accessible to the restaurants, shops and lodgings he is planning.
Development Authority Board Chairman Hank Burnham said the Islands would have wide appeal and access.
"If you're having a business conference, if you're having weekend get-a-way, shopping, there's something for everybody in this plan," Burnham said.
The formal submission of the LLI master plan takes place in 2007 with the completion of additional studies and details according to Williams.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2006/8/105600