Yesterday, September 27, 2012, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg officially announced plans to revitalize New York City’s oft-forgotten borough of Staten Island with a project including the world’s tallest Ferris wheel as the centerpiece.

The Ferris wheel, called the New York Wheel, will sit in the St. George neighborhood of northern Staten Island, adjacent to Richmond County Bank Ballpark where the Staten Island Yankees (minor league) play. The plan also includes a hotel with 200 rooms proposed and a high-end retail complex called Harbor Commons, destined to bring 100+ stores and fine dining options to the area.

From the Mayor’s press release:

The New York Wheel will be built just to the north of the ballpark and be 625 feet tall – 84 feet higher than the Singapore Flyer, currently the tallest Ferris wheel in the world.  It will also be taller than the planned ‘High Roller’ wheel for the Las Vegas Strip, which is set to rise to 550 feet. The New York Wheel will be comprised of thirty-six capsules, each able to carry up to 40 passengers with a max capacity of 1,440 people per ride. The wheel is expected to welcome as many as 30,000 riders per day during peak season and an estimated 4.5 million visitors per year.

“Our Administration has made major investments all along the North Shore of Staten Island, because we know this area is full of potential for economic growth,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “But this newest plan is the most exciting of all. The New York Wheel will be an attraction unlike any other in New York City – even unlike any other on the planet. It will offer unparalleled and breathtaking views, and is sure to become one of the premier attractions in New York City and the latest exciting addition to our newly revitalized waterfront.”

All photos taken from NYC Mayor’s Office Flickr.