County commission to decide fate of Skyplex Orlando project

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – It is decision day for a developer’s planned $500 million project that would bring the world’s tallest rollercoaster to Orlando’s International Drive.

Orange County’s Board of Commissioners is set to vote Tuesday on whether to grant zoning approval for Skyplex Orlando. Opposition led by neighboring Universal Orlando says the proposed 570-foot “Skyscraper” coaster, which would have a 450-foot drop, is too tall and would adversely change the culture of the tourist corridor.

Developer Joshua Wallack believes it’s nothing more than some of the area’s older tourism businesses being fearful of competition.

The project received a recommendation for approval by a development review committee in June. But in October the planning and zoning commission voted 4-3 recommending that commissioners deny rezoning, due to compatibility concerns, height, perceived traffic impacts and light pollution.