Waldameer's Ravine Flyer II hits yet another snag

Posted | Contributed by AJF

Campground owner Brian Candela appealed the Millcreek Township zoning board's decision to approve construction of the Ravine Flyer II. Waldameer Park owner, Paul Nelson, expected Candela to appeal the decision and still plans to move ahead with the project in the fall.

Read more from The Erie Times-News.

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If Waldameer can win the last case they sure can win this one again. I still have lots of confidence in this project. But if Waldameer does lose, the Ravine Flyer II will never be constructed.

I hate Candela!

This is the reason I chose to stay at a campground a half hour away from Erie earlier this month. It would've been much more covenient to stay at Sara's considering you can walk to Waldameer from there. No way I'm supporting these peoples business when building this coaster could actually help their business.

After driving through the area, I can't see how the coaster is going to cause that much disturbance to the campground. The coaster will be placed on a bluff at least 200 feet higher than the campground. The campground has a lot of trees in it and the property where the coaster is going is already lined with trees around the edge. In other words, this coaster isn't going to disturb campers anymore than Magnum, Gemini or Mean Streak does at Cedar Point or Top Gun and SOB at PKI or Raven at Holiday World.

The earliest I've ever seen a campgrounds "quiet hours" start is 11 PM, the park closes at 10. I know, I know, some people still go to bed before 10, but from my experience in camping, not very many campers do. I'm lucky if I can get my daughter to bed by 10:30 when we are camping.

I also find it odd that the owner of Presque Isle Cottages (which is across the street from Sara's and also sits about 200 feet below the park) isn't complaining that the coaster will be a disturbance to their guests.

Rctycoon2k's avatar
I have a feeling that Candella is going to be overturned again, due to the fact that he is appealing with the same reasons for suit he used last time, which were overturned. He is appealing for safety (well, throw that one out, because they have already stated that the park must file a $15 million insurance claim along with not holding the township responsible for any accidents that might happen on it.)

Like I stated in another thread about it, Paul Nelson said he is following through with his plans this fall, because he is confident the case will go through.

Worst case scenario, he would have to have the layout changed, which wouldn't be the end of the world but surely not what Nelson wants, but if need be, he could, and build it with a slightly different layout.

Mamoosh's avatar
Don't look for major construction this fall and DO NOT look for a 2005 opening. All Nelson is going to do is construct an access road so they can begin pouring footers next spring. The earliest RFII will open is 2006, if that.

mOOSH

Rctycoon2k's avatar
I thought that was already known...?

Waldameer has already stated that they want the coaster to open for the 2007 season.

DawgByte II's avatar
Yea, his park also could use a little more intense flats...

He's got a decent variety of rides... but visiting the park a few weeks ago, I just felt a lack of stuff to do there. I realize it's a small family park... but being similar to Martin's Fantasy Island in Buffalo, NY (except Pauls rides look more pernament), I'd expect a few more intense flats than just the Ali-Baba ride by A.R.M rides.

Either way, I sure hope this gets started VERY soon so there's a "no-turning-back-now" procedure (ie: get those footers up & there be no appeals anymore).

Mamoosh's avatar
Rctycoon2k - it is generally known...I was just trying to stem the "Oh cool, I can't wait to ride this next year" from those who didn't.
The constuction is most likely to be completed in 2 years because it takes a long time when dealing with cold, rainy Erie weather. It looks to be a great coaster from the sketches and computer drawings I have. It even looks like RFII has a double dip coming back over the road and a few good head choppers. Can't wait!!!
Rctycoon2k's avatar
No problem Moosh... ;)

I can see, or hope to see, Waldameer recieving a HUSS spinner, like King Kahuna at Kennywood. I think it would be a good addition.

I don't know the local procedures, etc., but I have to wonder if Waldameer doesn't have some cause for abuse of process. How many times can you appeal on the same grounds? If you allow this to go on forever, then anyone who wants to could holdup anything forever.
I agree with what loriu is saying, what is this guy seriously thinking. You own a campground next to an amusement park, big coaster brings in many people and more business for you. No coaster, your just gonna make it through the summer, like every other year since you opened.

Some people just want the attention, like complaining about the coaster is gonna bring more people to your campground. Smart thinking.*** This post was edited by sros208 7/20/2004 9:24:47 AM ***

eightdotthree's avatar
The people that they are worried about are not the weekenders but the summer people who stay at the campgrounds all summer long as their homes. I dont think they have any problems filling the place.
Rctycoon2k's avatar
This is their last time they can appeal the case.

If the judge overturns their appeal, Waldameer can build the Ravine Flyer, if not, then Waldameer must change the layout before the coaster can be built, thats it.

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