SeaWorld Orlando to expand in 2007 58-acre attraction

[Guest]

Dozens of angry SeaWorld neighbors lashed out over the park's proposed expansion and Orange County wants to know more about the park's plans as well.

SeaWorld is planning to expand on a 58-acre site right near its main park and right next to the Williamsburg area. It's 58 acres highly focused on by SeaWorld, scrutinized by the county and heavily criticized by neighbors.

The large plat of land, the latest venture by Anheuser-Busch for another amusement park, some say, a water park with up to 140-foot tall slides, even bigger than those at nearby Blizzard Beach.

It's much to the dislike of Terry O'Donnell, who is now rallying her neighbors to fight the company that already looms over much of their community.

"To tell you the truth, I was scared, security-wise, sound-wise, just everything that they're gonna do," O'Donnell said.

O'Donnell and dozens of others chartered a bus to voice their concerns to the county planning board, suggesting SeaWorld put the park on another piece of property it also owns that's not near any homes.

County planners also had concerns, since SeaWorld representatives wouldn't reveal exactly what they want to build.

But since SeaWorld was there long before its neighbors, and the land is already zoned for commercial use, very little would stop its creation, and folks like Vince Perrone said that would mean it's time to sell.

"This quiet neighborhood is gonna be a lot noisier," Perrone said.

Because of all of the county's concerns, SeaWorld will have to make revisions to the plan and resubmit it. There will also be a neighborhood meeting and then the board can either approve or shoot down the plan.

SeaWorld would only say a park is scheduled to open in 2007 and more details will be released this fall.

According to documents filed with the county, no building in the new attraction would be over 140 feet tall, but there are no specific details. The new park would have a projected capacity of 7,500 visitors. The plans include a parking lot for 2,000 vehicles. According to published reports, SeaWorld is planning to spend about $90 million on the project. SeaWorld's last major expansion, Discovery Cove, opened in 2000.




jj...

[Guest]

What is there complaint. Doesnt it bring more tourism? Is it in a residential area.

Confused

Steve