By Robert Haugh

 

While thousands of boisterous thrill seekers recently flocked to California’s Great America Theme Park anticipating the latest thrills and family experiences for opening day 2008 on Sunday, March 16, they probably don’t have any clue that recent Planning Commission continuances may have placed Great America’s 2009 attraction plans in jeopardy.

 

Last Wednesday, March 12, the Santa Clara Planning Commission moved unanimously to continue Great America’s request for a variance that would allow the Park to construct a new 111-foot-tall wooden roller coaster for a second time, for as much to 90 days --- possibly putting the theme park’s grand project in the dumps for the 2009 operating season.

 

The Planning Commission had already postponed the public hearing regarding the Variance to allow for the ride height from February 13 because of concerns raised by neighboring businesses owned by Prudential Real Estate Investors, including the Nortel campus located at 4655-4659 Great America Parkway. The continuances have been made in order to allow additional time for review of documents submitted by Tim Tosta, Attorney for Prudential Real Estate Investors, pertaining to noise impacts to the adjacent Nortel building.

 

Nearby office buildings are approximately 93-feet in height.

 

“I’m afraid with the information that’s just coming in, we have issues that need to be answered still,” said Planning Commissioner Tony Marine.

 

Great America General Manager Bill Lentz stated that continuing the hearing will only create further complications in relation to the theme park’s plans for having the coaster operable by Spring 2009.

 

“Any further delays will delay this project for the 2009 operating season at California’s Great America,” said Great America General Manager Bill Lentz. “This is the most significant investment at Great America in several years. When Great America does well, the City does well,” said Lentz. The roller coaster will cost the Theme Park nearly $10 million.

 

The 636,000 square-foot Nortel site consists of office, electronic laboratory space, and associated parking, accommodating a maximum of 2,400 employees.

 

“There are some things we’d like to understand and get more information and knowledge. I’d like to make good judgment in this decision,” said Commissioner Frank Barcells.

 

The crux of the issue is that Great America is asking to receive a simple Variance for ride height in conjunction with the construction of the proposed 111-foot tall wooden roller coaster.

 

According to City Staff’s report on the issue, “the applicant requests a variance to construct a new 111-foot tall roller coaster structure, toward the Western edge of the theme park. A variance is required in order to allow the structure to exceed the 35-foot height standard for properties locate in CT (Thoroughfare Commercial) zoning districts.”

 

The Acoustical Impact Assessment projects that the maximum sound levels of the ride would be 75 decibels (dBA) at the West property line, consistent with current allowable City Noise Ordinance standards. In addition to being in line with City noise requirements, the ride has cleared FAA review.

 

City Staff’s report also states “the 35-foot height limit of the CT zoning district does not apply well to the unique context of rides, structures and attractions within the theme park setting.”

 

Staff report also states “The granting of the variance is necessary for the substantial property rights of the petitioner, in that, by developing new attractions such as this, the theme park is able to attract new and return patrons to visit the park.”

 

The ride itself would seat 28 riders per train, with two trains operating, with an estimated 800 to 850 people riding the coaster every hour. The proposed ride would be positioned near the 206-foot-tall Gyro Star Tower, and would wrap around the Tower and other attractions and dwellings.

 

Great America added several new attractions this year, including “Firefall” a ride that takes riders through a swirling effect of wind, water and fire, as well as a new ice skating show and Halloween Haunt --- a spooky Halloween attraction opening in Fall.

 

As of press time, it is not known when the Planning Commission will review the Variance request. Visit www.pgathrills.com for information on California’s Great America.