Re: I-Drive Orlando | Skyscraper| US Thrill Rides
The layout looks shorter with fewer inversions than the S&S model - however the LSM lift launch into rollout is a nice new touch. Dive loop finale also looks good.
On the approval side, the county had its stakeholder meeting, which highlighted the cozy relationship the city of Orlando has with Universal:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business ... story.html
City of Orlando sent staffers to the meeting to voice concern, which raised question on if the City of Orlando was acting in the interest of Universal, rather than the wellbeing of the city. It should come as no surprise that the City of Orlando also pushes for generous tax breaks for Universal, and has used tax dollars to fund infrastructure projects that directly benefited Universal, such as the $4.5 pedestrian footbridge that connects Universal hotels to the theme parks. Further compounding the question of development - the City of Orlando has approved the construction of a 360 ft. building with helipad on International Drive near Universal. It has also come to light that Universal has contributed to Orlando Mayor Dyer's campaign.
As for actual steps on what is needed for Skyplex to move forward, it must receive approval from the Orange County Commission, which will vote in December. The commission is separate from the City of Orlando, but it is clear now more than ever that Universal's strong lobby is acting strongly against this development. While the City of Orlando is separate from the Orange County Commission, and does not have a role in the approval process, it is questionable why non-elected city staffers have been sent to voice against the I-Drive complex.