Editor's note: This was our April Fools' Day prank.
Six Flags, Inc., the world's largest regional theme park company, is expanding its thrill-empire to Dubai and, potentially, Sleepy Hollow.
After several failed development deals since the automaker's plant closure in 1996, General Motors is in serious negotiations to sell or lease the 97-acre waterfront property to Six Flags as soon as 2011. Construction could begin in 2012, with the park slated for public-opening by 2014.
Six Flags plans to create a "very scaled down" version of their other parks across the country (including ones in New Jersey and upstate at Lake George), according to company CEO Mark Shapiro, headquartered in New York City.
"We're thinking something more along the lines of Lake Compounce in Connecticut crossed with Coney Island: an old-timey feel to things, boardwalk, antique carousel, rickety wooden coaster, shoot-the-freak games, stuff like that," he said.
Sleepy Hollow Mayor Ken Wray appreciates that the large company has been including the village in the initial talks – and he eagerly anticipates the tax revenue to come.
"We all know Sleepy Hollow's been struggling since GM closed, and we could sure use an additional $1 million in tax revenue" he said. "I'm eager to get something, anything, in there, right away."
Wray expects major parking problems, congestion, noise, loitering, and public outcry, particularly from the residents of the adjacent high-end condo complex, Ichabod's Landing. But, he adds, "I commend GM for thinking outside of the box and looking for a bold alternative. This could make Sleepy Hollow a real tourist destination for more than just Halloween."
One resident of Ichabod's Landing, who wished to remain anonymous, responded to the proposed plans with a disgruntled "ick."
Six-year-old Juan Ortez playing in nearby Barnhardt Park with his little sister felt differently.
"That's so cool," he said. "She's too small for the rides so I could leave her at home."
Editor's note: This was our April Fools' Day prank.
