Why Can't GA Build on American Eagle's Site Anymore?

[Goliath72165]

If they were to remove American Eagle, why can't they build another attraction (giga coaster) on that site?

[CoasterMike]

It's to close to I-94.

[anewman35]

IIRC, People say it's because the Village Of Gurnee has changed their zoning laws so that nothing could be built that close to Washington Street. I'm not sure if anybody actually has any concrete evidence of that or if it's just a rumor people pass around. In regards to a giga coaster, the village would probably also frown on something that's so much bigger than any other coaster in the park being located on the edge of the park near houses...

[Goliath72165]

It's to close to I-94.

If that's the case then how could they have built Hurricane Harbor since its located on the side of the park that is closest to the highway.

[coasterkidd100]

Actually if you look at Google Earth it would appear that American Eagle's helix area is actually closer to I-94 then Hurricane Harbor. Maybe I am wrong but it appears that way.

[jkaminsky13]

Agreed, too close to I-94

[Ace]

Its also very close to Washington and I dont think you can build that close to either that or 94.

[anewman35]

I doubt 94 is really the issue (again, if there really is an issue, which I've never seen actual proof of). If it really was because of 94, they could still use the rest of the land and not have a problem. However, most of the ride is right along Washington Street, so there's not much getting around that. Also, if you look right across 94, there are buildings there that are not that old that are closer to the road than the Eagle is...

[Goku1910]

American Eagle is about the same distance to I-94 as Hurricane Harbor...It's sheer size and trees make it appear as if it's further away.

[Viper 88]

I say let them build what they want in the park it can only help your town. people need to stop being so FKN anal and just ease and lighten up. And if it is too close to I94 when it eventually does fall apart does that mean a colossal structure of garbage would be SBNO until the rest of it falls down? And there would be this gaping hole in our parks skyline?

[DeathbyDinn]

I say let them build what they want in the park it can only help your town. people need to stop being so FKN anal and just ease and lighten up.

You do realize that Gurnee is incredibly cooperative and supportive of the park? They always side with the park with residents complain and as far as I know have never denied them from building anything. If you want to complain about people being anal, go to Cali. Great America or Alton Towers. There are parks that have tons of restrictions and rules placed on them by their town, and SFGAm is definitely NOT one of them.

[w00dland]

Who says they can't? Perhaps they just don't feel like knocking down one of the park's biggest investments and iconic rides.

[UWW-10]

I'm sure they can't build in AE's site right now because AE is sitting on it

I'm sure when AE has given its last ride....something will replace it. Whatever it will be can not be as close to Washington Street as AE is now.

[kossdude1]

I'm sure when AE has given its last ride....something will replace it.

Hopefully that replacement would include a tribute to AE by including one of AE's elements or replacing a woodie with a woodie

[JimPanky]

ae isnt going anywhere any time soon when it does in the far future im sure its footprint will give them the space for something epic.

Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk

[kossdude1]

when it does in the far future im sure its footprint will give them the space for something epic.

GIGA! Like a giga's gonna happen...

[JimPanky]

i never said giga

Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk

[Superman]

Would a giga be so unrealistic though? Six Flags has already surprised us with x flight and Goliath just a few years after. I don't think it's a crazy thing to say that a giga might replace AE. But hopefully that's a long way down the road, cause I love AE and its ridiculously short lines.

[JimPanky]

SFGAm is going to get a giga (1 idea is in the parking lot), a skyscreamer, and AE is gona get RMC treatment.
These have been the most popular predictions for the future. The only one I see as probable is a skyscreamer at some point.

[Necropolis]

Just to add a little bit of more info, Gurnee would have to look at the coaster if it is a Giga, or whatever it is for height ordinances correct? From what I remember from past threads from last year and before, coasters cannot exceed a certain height as well, unless that has changed recently too.

[w00dland]

Anything over 125ft needs approval and clearance I believe. 310 is the traditional max height, but considering the park hasn't asked to go higher than that, who knows what Gurnee might say.

[CoasterZ]

i belive 335 feet is the height limit due to the airport. Nothing can be taller then the tower. I do not see a giga anytime soon. would love to see another looper though without losing the ones they have there. I wouldnt mind seeing a b&m floorless be relocated to be honest. or even a sit down. We need seven looper or bust out an intiman 10. need another looper.