![]() The Skyplex complex, scheduled to open in 2018, would include two other rides, a 350-room hotel, restaurants and stores. The current tallest roller coaster is the 450-foot "Kingda Ka" at New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure. Several dozen people voiced opinions about the project during Tuesday's standing room-only public hearing. The support included residents of some of International Drive's closest residential neighbourhoods, as well as business owners who said Skyplex would help revitalize the area. Opposition led by neighbouring Universal Orlando argued the coaster, which would have a 450-foot drop, would be too tall and adversely change the culture of the tourist corridor. Universal vice-president of external affairs John McReynolds told commissioners that Universal's opposition was not about fears of competition, but did still have concerns about Skyplex's impact on the area. "It has to fit into the community, and height is the issue," McReynolds said. Skyplex did agree to some conditions as part of its zoning approval. ![]() Since it is yet unclear exactly how high the roller coaster will eventually be, it agreed that it won't exceed 600 feet. In addition, it must follow a plan it worked out with officials regarding its impact on traffic and easing any potential light pollution. Last month, the Orange County's advisory planning and zoning commission denied Skyplex's request that its nearly 12 acres be rezoned. The denial came even though Skyplex got a positive recommendation from county support staff and Federal Aviation Administration approval. The Orlando city code restricts Universal's roller coasters to a 200-foot height limit because the park is bordered by a residential neighbourhood. Like Skyplex, SeaWorld falls under county jurisdiction, but Orange County planning administrator John Smogor told commissioners that the park probably would have gotten a larger height allowance simply by asking for it. Its Sky Tower observation deck is 400 feet tall. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said that she thinks Skyplex will help to bring more tourists to the area. "I think this is the first critical piece of getting that started," she said. RELATED: Skyplex project TBD, other I-Drive projects moving forward.Free-fall dive from the Skyscraper Tower."Quite frankly a lot of what we hear in here when it comes to new development and bring change is negative by nature.To see so many people saying 'Hey, I-Drive is the place for this' is really exciting.Skyplex Orlando has added another thrill ride to its roster. SkyJump is the sixth major attraction set for the complex being built along International Drive, the developers announced Thursday. Riders free-fall dive from the top of the Skyscraper Tower. Skyplex developers acquired the rights for the attraction. A similar experience is at Stratosphere Las Vegas.
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