http://www.pobonline.com/articles/97...heel-in-motion
Setting the New York Wheel in Motion
Surveying and scanning by Control Point Associates Inc. lays groundwork for construction of Big Apple attraction
By John Hetzler
January 31, 2014
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Imagine a breathtaking view of the New York City skyline. From more than 600 feet in the air, imagine the sight of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
That vision is possible thanks to the work of Control Point Associates Inc., a land surveying company in New Jersey that is helping make the New York Wheel a reality.
Plans for the New York Wheel call it a landmark attraction, according to its official website. The observation wheel will stand 630 feet high. Passengers will sit in one of 36 capsules, each with a capacity of 40, as the wheel turns on the northeastern shore of Staten Island in New York City
Control Point Associates used conventional ground surveying for preparation of a boundary and topographic survey, and the company also used a Leica ScanStation C10 and ScanStation P20 for 3D laser scanning.
There were challenges. The wheel is to be built on the same lot as the Richmond County Bank Ballpark. The stadium was built in 2008, but no survey records were produced.
“This has been a challenging project in many ways,” Marin said. “But a threshold issue was that despite the existence of the stadium in the middle of the parcel, there were no surveys or even metes and bounds available to us for our lot or adjacent areas.”
In addition, New York City owns the land where the wheel is to be constructed, and the lot contains several complicated easements and other building restrictions. Control Point Associates had to work closely with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to create an easement with vertical limits for the wheel to have direct access from Richmond Terrace. Control Point captured this data by utilizing conventional surveying methods in addition to 3D laser scanning.
Control Point started its work in 2012 and continues to provide information to the design team. Construction on the New York Wheel is scheduled to begin this year, and it is slated to open Labor Day 2016. The Wheel hopes to attract as many as 30,000 people per day and 4 million visitors per year.
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http://hollywiesnerolivieri.com/stat...tallest-wheel/
Staten Island, “Reinvented” by the World’s Tallest Wheel
Jan 16, 2014
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Earlier last month, I had the most amazing interview of my career. I had the honor and privilege of sitting down and talking with Richard Marin, the developer of what will be the world’s tallest observation wheel, which is set to be built within Staten Island’s St. George community.
I was blown away.
In all of my research about this observation wheel, the retail outlets that will coincide with its construction, and all of the other revitalization efforts taking place across Staten Island’s North Shore, I never expected to learn so much about such a massive undertaking in such a short period of time. As the wheel’s developer, Richard knew every last detail, practically, every inch of the structure, and was able to share with me his vision of what the wheel could bring to Staten Island and New York City.
Of all the things I learned in that interview; besides information about the design and construction of the structure and the many experiences it will provide its passengers; I was really moved by the sheer magnitude of the project and what it will mean for Staten Island’s North Shore.
Not only will Staten Island’s North Shore landscape and skyline be altered forever, but what will also change is the way people see our “forgotten little borough.” Staten Island has so much to offer, and, hopefully, both New York City tourists and Staten Island residents will begin to see the rich history and culture we have here.
Richard doesn’t see the wheel as just a structure that will be placed on our North Shore. Rather, it is a landmark, a new identity, built into the very heart of Staten Island. It is there to showcase New York City and Staten Island and its presence will inevitably become a part of our unique history.
In my video interview with Richard, he mentions that the wheel will be three things: visual, technological and sustainable. No doubt, this observation wheel will provide a visual effect as its views showcase the beauty of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline. Technologically, it will be a strong example of what advanced technology has to offer and the amazing things human beings can imagine, engineer and create. Lastly, it is a reminder that, like the energy that drives the wheel (produced through sustainable means), our energy, our spirit, and our drive is also continuous and sustainable, no matter what befalls upon us.
As a native Staten Islander who is so passionate about our borough; that is how I see this wheel: as representative of us. Just like Richard describes in the interview, the 17 million-pound structure is so delicately balanced on the axle in its center. And it is that perfect balance that allows the wheel to move so smoothly, using so little energy. Like the wheel, we all have a “center.” It is what drives us to move forward, what strengthens our resolve, and what allows us to branch out while still keeping us grounded.
My favorite feature…besides the option of having catered dinner parties in a wheel capsule, the augmented reality screens built into the capsules’ glass is something I look forward to seeing.
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• Video Link
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NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
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