Staten Island Tourist Attraction Goes Off Rails

Updated 12:20 PM on Wednesday, July 19 2017

The 600-foot observation wheel on Staten Island's North Shore is delayed indefinitely following contract disputes between the New York Wheel LLC and its design team.

The New York Wheel fired its contractor, Netherlands-based company Mammoet-Starneth LLC, after its design team walked off the job in late May. After a court battle and a mediation period, New York Wheel ended the contract and opted to find another design team.

"So that leaves the New York Wheel in a state where part of the project has been completed. A large portion hasn't, and now they need to find a new contractor," says Staten Island Advance reporter Tracey Porpora.

The New York Wheel was first announced by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2012. Advertised as an observation wheel to rival the London Eye, it was supposed to be the main attraction in a wide ranging redevelopment plan for Staten Island's North Shore.

The wheel has been repeatedly delayed since 2016, but other construction efforts are ongoing. Hotels, luxury condos and an outlet mall are all part of the waterfront revitalization plan.

Porpora says the New York Wheel's most recent delay is serious, but the possibility of the project is still promising.

"If it does come to fruition, it should be a really great tourist attraction," Porpora tells WNYC's Jami Floyd.

The New York Wheel's website says the wheel is "coming soon." According to a statement from spokeswoman Cristyne Nicholas, the New York Wheel "is currently exploring all available options for completing the Wheel."