A community meeting recently held in Orange County, New York gave the public an inside look into the new LEGOLAND theme park expected to break ground in Goshen (about an hour and a half from New York City) by spring 2017.
During the meeting, park concepts were displayed and community members were given the opportunity to ask questions, as well as contribute to a giant LEGO mural that will be displayed at the park. The park will be LEGOLAND’s first east coast location and the largest in the country.
The project will cost 500 million dollars and include a 170-acre amusement park, hotel and aquarium. An estimated two million people are expected to visit per year.
“We would employ about 500 people on a full-time basis, part-time and seasonal staff, and create jobs and economic benefits for the community,” said John Jakobsen of Merlin Entertainment, the London based operator of the six current LEGOLAND theme parks.
However, the proposed park has met strong opposition.
“This is a very large company,” said Legoland opponent Susan Herrmann. “I’m not against Legoland, I’m concerned about the size of the development, I’m concerned about the impact on the community.”
Over 1,000 people have joined a Facebook group called “Stop Legoland.”
Residents say the project is too big for their quaint small town and a strain on water, sewer and emergency services, according to ABC 7 NY.
Regardless, LEGOLAND hopes to open its new location by 2019.
–Morgan Agesen
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