Atlantic City’s most famous pier might briefly lay claim to the nation's largest Ferris wheel.
The Jersey Shore city’s planning board approved a proposal to allow Steel Pier Associates to spend more than $12 million to expand the Boardwalk and install a 200-foot observation wheel.
The Press of Atlantic City reports Steel Pier president Anthony Catanoso says it would be the tallest in the country if it's finished before the 550-foot High Roller wheel in Las Vegas, which is expected to be finished this year.
The Texas Star wheel in Dallas at 212 feet claims to be the tallest observation wheel in North America. Catanoso says Atlantic City's wheel could be 220 feet with the height of the pier included.
The City Council must approve the plan and the company would need permits from the state Environmental Protection Department to start construction on the 42-gondola wheel.
The city would own the expanded pier once construction is complete, reported the Press of A.C.
The hope is that the new wheel along with the expanded pier and other new attractions like Margaritaville and Boardwalk Hall’s 3-D light show will draw more people year-round to the struggling gambling resort.
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Currently the largest wheel in the world is the 540-foot Singapore Flyer but there are plans for a 690-foot tall Ferris wheel in Dubai.
