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World's tallest Ferris wheel proposed for Staten Island, New York

World's tallest Ferris wheel proposed for Staten Island, New York
The 541-ft Singapore Flyer could be usurped by a new ferris wheel under consideration for Staten Island, New York (Photo: joyfull/Shutterstock)
The 541-ft Singapore Flyer could be usurped by a new ferris wheel under consideration for Staten Island, New York (Photo: joyfull/Shutterstock)
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The 541-ft Singapore Flyer could be usurped by a new ferris wheel under consideration for Staten Island, New York
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The 541-ft Singapore Flyer could be usurped by a new ferris wheel under consideration for Staten Island, New York
The 541-ft Singapore Flyer could be usurped by a new ferris wheel under consideration for Staten Island, New York (Photo: joyfull/Shutterstock)
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The 541-ft Singapore Flyer could be usurped by a new ferris wheel under consideration for Staten Island, New York (Photo: joyfull/Shutterstock)

According to a report in the Staten Island Advance, Staten Island, New York's third largest borough, could play host to the world's largest ferris wheel.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has apparently been in talks with "a company" to bring a 600-foot (183-m) wheel to a site near the ferry terminal. If accurate, the plans could spell the end of the 541-foot (165-m) Singapore Flyer's reign as the world's tallest Ferris wheel.

A super-sized observation wheel could provide an economic boost to the area, assuming the wheel were to emulate the success of similar attractions including the Flyer and the London Eye, both of which have proven successful at pulling in tourist dollars.

The Advance reported in June that two sites, currently used for parking, are being eyed for redevelopment. The parking at the proposed site of the wheel would need to be replaced. High end retail is apparently being considered for the second site, to be built on stilts above an existing parking lot, which would remain.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the EDC has been "in negotiations with multiple respondents" regarding development at the two sites. "It's really hard to think of another place in New York City that has fallen so short of its potential for economic development," Jonathan Bowles of the non-profit Center for an Urban Future told The Journal. "There's no reason why you can't get significantly more tourists to stay on Staten Island for half an hour, or an hour."

The City Council would have to approve any such plans before work on a Staten Island ferris wheel could begin.

Sources: Staten Island Advance, Wall Street Journal, via Arch Daily

9 comments
9 comments
c w
Well, that would finally give me something to tell people they can do in SI that doesn't involve putting out more than the usual tourist effort.
I'm not certain that's a good thing.
zevulon
how on earth would staten island get a major ferris wheel like this . perhaps manhattan would get this. not staten island.
Pikeman
I would try to avoid building the Ferris wheel as a stand alone attraction but I don't think high end retail is the right fit either. Maybe a couple of non-chain restaurants, bowling, and a large screen movie theater showing great classic movies like The Wizard of Oz (1939) and Fantasia (1940).
BigGoofyGuy
I doubt I would ever go on it (fear of heights) but I still consider it to be way cool. I hope they do build it.
DOC HOLLYWOOD
Not to be outdone: Las Vegas is building two.
Mel Tisdale
I thought that there is something of a danger of hurricanes hitting the coast in that region. If so, perhaps they could but blades on it and make it energy independent, if only for the short time it would survive, anyway. If it broke its moorings, it would surely get in the Guinness Book of Records for the greatest distance travelled by a freewheeling ferris wheel.
NYIDave
If they build it near the verazano narrows, you will be able to see the classic wonder wheel and cyclone across in Brooklyn.
Gary Richardson
Good idea, can't wait to visit, ride, eat, games, and a movie!
Jackey
I could not believe another Ferris wheel will surpass the Singapore Flyer but can't wait to see it soon! Google Wonder Wheel