Kennywood planning "major capital improvement"

Im just wondering if the new eminent domain laws came into effect here at all.

Last weeks Supreme Court decision basically said anything proving more benificial to a comunities infastructure than the current owner could be taken by immenent domain.

KW would surelly be a benificial verses current occupants but Im 100% against that SC decision.

Chuck, here take my land for your strip mall, PLEASE!

Even though the court was OK with it, being an elected official in a municipality that does it would be political suicide.

Slightly updated article, still no "real" details, but it all sounds good for the area:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05187/533646.stm

is the confrence today?? any details yet?

Seems they're worried about Geauga:

"For Kennywood to be able to meet the entertainment expectations of our guests and to effectively compete with out-of-state amusement parks, especially those in Ohio, we need to plan now,"

With both KW & HW moving forward with expansion projects, I think I died and went to heaven. :)

Even if KW's actual expansion is still years down the road, the news is good for the heart.

*** Edited 7/6/2005 5:14:03 PM UTC by Robocoaster***

Kennywood shouldnt be worried about Geagua, theyre 100 times better than Geagua. They want to be able to compete somewhat with CP. This expansion will have Kennywood crush GL.

-Jeff

Kennywood has the press release on their website under media

It basically says we need the highway and the expansion to compete with CP and Geuaga in it.

It also goes on to explain that Kennywood does more to generate revinue for The County/State than the Pirates or Steelers or any other local venue.

I really don't see this a a public press release. Rather a NOTICE to the STATE of their intentions and what needs to be done.

I seen in recent years where KW even threatened moving due to the amount of taxes they are subject too. I guess like CP in Sandusky, When your the biggest venue in town. The bloodsuckers poor in from all sides.

Chuck, who would like to see KW expand and it looks like they are making the adjustments too but it's clear they want some compensation or road deals before it's completed.

As a former resident and taxpayer, and bleeding-heart, leftist pinko-commie liberal besides, even *I* think Penna is one bass-ackwards place, government-wise. They spend more money doing less that is useful than anywhere else I've lived, and that includes California.

If that's my reaction, you just know it's got to drive the more mainstream and conservative elements nuts.

Back on topic: outstanding news for Kennywood. I'm sure that whatever they do, it will be a class act. And, I wouldn't be so quick to rule out a combined waterpark just yet, perhaps in the form of relocating sandcastle's attractions, adding to them, and dumping that (pretty decent) riverfront land. Geauga seems to be more direct competition, and the waterpark is a big reason why, I would think. *** Edited 7/6/2005 6:15:23 PM UTC by Brian Noble***

Change will help them compete in the future and this is a great step forward. The next decade should be great for the park and I can't wait to see what they do. An indoor waterpark makes sense now since its the latest rage, but what about in ten years? Either way you cut it, its a great thing.

Plus, the Mon-Fayette's interchange with the park will probably be about 600 yards south of the current first level lot. Now this will make jaunts from downtown Pittsburgh to the park even quicker. Hopefully, all goes as planned.

...and dumping that (pretty decent) riverfront land.

Especially since its prone to flooding.

Well, what low-lying area there isn't? Just build stuff on stilts, that's what the CMU Tech Center did.

That's a good idea, Brian. I remember reading in the book "More Kennywood Memories" that the 'lower level' of Sandcastle that includes the lazy river and such flooded three times during construction, whereas the upper level that includes the boardwalk was completed on time.

Also, they didn't want Sandcastle next to Kennywood because they didn't want people walking around KW in bathing suits. That was almost 20 years ago, so I guess they wouldn't mind now.

Perhaps the owner of the Waterfront complex would want the Sandcastle property. Maybe build it up to reduce the flooding and add more parcels. But really, what other stores could be added?

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the Waterfront complex

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See, maybe this really *is* about strip malls.

-brian, who was really sad to see how completely unimaginative the Waterfront turned out to be. Man I miss Chiodo's!

I apologize if anyone is offended in any way by this statement but i must say it.....

I am not sure that "demands" made by Kennywood are of the greatest significance to a state that has yet to pass its budget. Not only do we waste our money, we can't decide what to waste it on.

Lee, who personally thinks that paying the state cops is more important than giving KW its new roads, safety before entertainment.

Update article with some real teasers...
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05187/533646.stm

beeman65...sandcastle was built in 1993, not 20 years ago. But still times have changed, the indoor waterpark is a good idea. That way people can enjoy it even when Kennywood is closed for the winter.

-Jeff

Ok, I think this might have been stated already, but you guys saw this right? :

http://www.kennywood.com/funzone/funzone.php

Old news.

figured as much.

Go go gadget floorless. or whatever.