Orange County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Skyplex, which includes the potentially tallest rollercoaster tower in the world, on International Drive after a three-hour long hearing.
The Orange County Commission voted at a meeting on Tuesday to approve Skyplex, which would feature a 570-foot tall coaster, along with a surf park, zipline, hotel, shopping and restaurants.
The project has faced opposition from Universal Orlando, which argues it would cause more noise and light pollution along I-Drive.
Mayor Teresa Jacobs said the thrill ride, hotel, and retail center poses no threat to Universal Studios, which opposed the height of the project, saying that Universal Studios is so strong that the thrill ride retail project will not affect it.
Right before the vote, Jacobs said Orange County is “open for business.”
Developers say the tower would be no higher than 600 feet.
Universal Orlando had argued it would cause more noise and light pollution along I-Drive. One of the strongest arguments against the attraction had been the height, as the attraction would be almost 200 feet taller than the Orlando Eye. Universal attractions are capped at 200 feet because it falls under the city ordinance. Dozens spoke out at the public comment and most said they want the development.
The developers say they have heard the concerns from Universal Studios and others who protested the tower saying it is too high.
“We don’t have our final design, but what we are saying is our building envelope will not exceed 600 feet,” the developer said at the meeting, adding that the project is in the less developed area of I-Drive.
Developers said Skyplex was “the right project in the right place.” Developers said it would produce less traffic, improve walkability, and even include escape pods with dedicated electrical power in case of an emergency.
Skyplex developers also brought in a lighting consultant to counter light pollution concerns and compared it to other attractions, such as the Orlando Eye.
Last month, the Orange County Planning and Zoning Commission voted down a proposal for the Skyplex. The Orange County Commission, however, has the final say.
Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.
Copyright 2015 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.