The City Planning Commission signed off yesterday on two of Staten Island’s biggest projects – a gigantic Ferris wheel and adjacent outlet mall in the St. George neighborhood.
Developer Rich Marin said the New York Wheel, at a proposed 625 feet, will be the largest of its kind in the world. Construction is slated to begin next year, with an opening date of sometime in 2016.
Meanwhile, BFC Partners is developing Empire Outlets, a 200-room hotel and 350,000-square-foot retail space for several tenants. Both properties will sit near the St. George Ferry Terminal at Bay Street and Richmond Terrace.
Residents have expressed concerns that the projects will increase gridlock in the neighborhood. The next stop is the City Council for final approval on Oct. 30. [DNAinfo] — Mark Maurer