Town of Wheatfield and Oz Central heads are still on board with the proposed $800 million Magical Lands of Oz theme park, but things are moving at a slower pace than they would like.
The company has been working for months to complete a litany of studies, including ones for plant life, wild life, noise, traffic, economy and sewage, said Oz Central President Richard Burch said this past week. But for now, the project’s next steps are still on hold as impact studies continue through the pipeline.
“The team is here (in Wheatfield) working hard,” Burch said. “Our intent is to see this through.”
Robert O’Toole, attorney for the town, said there is “ongoing communication” between the town and Oz Central and progress is being made, but the studies are the company’s responsibility so town officials are waiting for the final evaluations to be submitted.
“It’s up to them to conduct studies and submit them,” O’Toole said. “Until they make a formal submission, the town can’t act.”
The various impact statements, which will analyze potential issues and solutions, must be approved by government entities, including the state Department of Environmental Conservation, before being submitted to the town. Once town officials satisfactorily review everything, the project can go before a public hearing.
But that probably won’t be anytime in the immediate future. Burch said he’s hopeful he will have some updates on the impact studies in the next few weeks, but stressed that — for now — the project’s timeline is not up to Oz Central.
The proposed theme park would feature attractions based around the “Wizard of Oz” books and was pitched to town officials and residents back in 2006.
The first phase of the project would include the construction of a 442-acre theme park in the eastern portion of the 800-acre complex, sitting within the boundaries of Williams, Jagow, River and Witmer roads. Roughly 85 percent of the attractions would be located indoors, allowing the park to operate year round. Construction of a themed flagship hotel with 200 rooms and dining and entertainment facilities, an administration building and other needed structures for operations would be part of the first phase as well.
Future phases could include more hotels, retail, dining and entertainment facilities.
Contact reporter Caitlin Murrayat 282-2311, ext. 2251.
Local News
WHEATFIELD: Oz theme park moves ahead — slowly
- Local News
-
-
BODY FOUND: Falls police ID missing woman
Falls Police say the body of a woman, found in dense brush in a field off of 102nd Street, is that of 67-year-old Judith Burr.
-
SLIDESHOW: Volunteers Search for Judith
Volunteers gathered on 102nd Street in Niagara Falls to search for the missing Judith Burr, 67. Shortly after the search began, the body of Judith was found in the dense brush just east of 102nd Street.
-
NCIDA declines One Niagara's request for tax help
It’s a no-go for a proposed tax break at One Niagara.
At least for now. -
Marijuana mystery on Michigan Avenue solved
The mystery surrounding a Michigan Avenue marijuana grow house has been solved.
And a Falls man has been charged with running the pot farm that was found there in July. -
Crack dealer taken down on Orleans Avenue
Falls Narcotics Division detectives took down an Orleans Avenue crack dealer, literally, on Tuesday.
-
Historic stone chimney move could be costly
City officials are dealing with some sticker shock after receiving an initial estimate for what it might cost to move an historic stone chimney to a new location.
-
One Niagara tax request up for vote
The owners of the One Niagara building may find out today if they qualify for a tax break through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency.
NCIDA board Chairman Henry Sloma said One Niagara’s application for tax assistance will be discussed during today’s board meeting. -
Search planned for missing Falls woman
Loved ones are organizing a search party for 67-year-old Judith Burr who has been missing since Friday.
-
Bill would ban offenders on school buses
The New York State Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would ban certain criminal offenders from working on school buses.
-
No new vet for Niagara SPCA
It was one step forward and one step back for the SPCA of Niagara on Monday.
Just 72 hours after announcing the hiring of a new veterinarian for its troubled shelter, the SPCA board changed its mind and decided not to bring Lewiston vet Dr. Grant Hobika on board. - More Local News Headlines
-
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
