SAN DIEGO SeaWorld, the aquatic theme park here, is seeking government approval for a major expansion including a 650-room hotel, a 95-foot “splashdown” ride, a multi-story education center, and a four-story parking garage.
The park, which is built on 190 acres, is hoping to take advantage of a 1998 ballot measure, narrowly endorsed by voters, to lift the height limit on the property from 30-to-160 feet. However, many residents are worried about increased traffic and noise caused by more visitors, as well as by the impact of changing the nature of SeaWorld to something of a Disney theme park.
Before construction can begin, the expansion plan must be approved by the city Planning Commission, the City Council and the California Coastal Commission, a process that could stretch into next summer. (8/23/00)
Source: LA Times