It’s a staple of many New Jersey shore towns and now Atlantic City’s skyline could be getting its own giant Ferris Wheel.
The New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority has approved a $4 million loan to the operators of the city’s famed Steel Pier to build a 220-foot observation wheel. The wheel would be one of the largest in the world.
The authority is now funding $8 million of the $14 million project.
“An observation wheel, the only one that will be in the North East, is certainly a good addition to have,” Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian told NBC40 TV in the city. “And certainly Steel Pier wants to create that wow factor that they had back in the 30s, 40s and 50s.”
Plans call for the wheel to have 40 climate-controlled cars, which will hold 6-10 people. The cars will include wifi access and music and it will take riders 15 to 20 minutes to complete a ride, officials said.
The project also includes an expansion of the pier and other attractions.
The project still needs approval from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
