From WMOT News
(2006-05-02)
WHEATFIELD
(wned) -
If everything falls into place, the yellow brick road could lead to the Niagara County Town of Wheatfield.Residents turned out in force Monday to learn more about the proposed Magical Land of Oz Theme Park. A group called Oz Central wants to build the amusement park on 800 acres of land between the Summit Park Mall and the Niagara River.
Oz Central President, Richard Burch, says much of the proposed complex would be under cover, allowing it to stay open year-round.
"There will be some areas that would be covered but not temperature controlled...another category would be the true indoor elements where you would be in climate controlled conditions," Burch said.
Burch says the park would be based on books written by L. Frank Baum, which he says he owns the rights to. He says the park could attract millions of people.
"This is the first theme park of its kind," Burch said.
Wheatfield Supervisor Timothy Demler says the $800-million project would ease the property tax burden in Niagara County and could generate $50-$70 million in sales tax revenues.
Some residents raised concerns about traffic, noise and the impact the project would have on a nearby landfill.
An environemntal impact study for the project is underway. © Copyright 2012, wned
