29 Jan 2015
FFA opposes San Diego Ferris wheel development over aviation concerns
BY Tom Anstey
A giant Ferris Wheel proposed along San Diego’s Embarcadero has hit a stumbling block after the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) said it could be a hazard to in and outbound flights.
Looking to emulate the likes of the London Eye and soon-to-launch Orlando Eye, one proposal for the giant wheel would take people 450ft (137m) into the air, offering panoramic views of San Diego. Under the proposed plan, the 30,000sq ft (2,787sq m) development area would also house a pavilion showcasing the history of the city.
“I believe San Diego’s waterfront can be one of the truly great waterfronts in the world but we aren’t there," said real estate developer David Malmuth, who came up with the Ferris wheel concept. "In order to achieve that, we need to take action, big bold initiatives. Not just talk, not just plans, but actions."
In a memo to San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, the FFA report said: “As proposed, the 443-foot waterfront feature would exceed obstruction standards and/or would have an adverse physical or electromagnetic interference effect upon navigable airspace or air navigation facilities.”
Following the FFA’s findings, it is possible the city could use alternate wheel plans by Bussink Design and Chance American Wheels. This wheel would be significantly smaller, standing 250ft (76m) tall with the ability to hold more than 430 people. The gondolas would have sound systems with MP3 players so riders could listen to music during the ride.
A third developer, also working on the Orlando Eye which is scheduled to open in April, is Allegus Development. The Port of San Diego is set to meet all three developers on 10 February to discuss the proposals. In its report, the agency said that a structure lower than 277ft (84.4m) would be more likely to be approved and that a higher structure could be possible, but would require further studies.
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