Staten Island North Shore Action Plan in Action: NYCEDC Announces RFP for North Shore Entertainment and Amusement Site

Formerly Known as the New York Wheel Site, New RFP Aims to Deliver Premier Destination With Entertainment, Amusement, and Retail, High-Quality Public Waterfront Access, and Good-Paying Jobs

Key Component of Staten Island North Shore Action Plan That Outlines $400 Million Investment in Vibrant, Mixed-Use Waterfront Community, Estimated to Generate Nearly $4 Billion in Economic Impact

NEW YORK, NY—Today, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the North Shore Entertainment and Amusement Site, formerly known as the New York Wheel site. The RFP seeks qualified parties for the long-term lease and development of an approximately eight-acre, partially improved parcel of prominent waterfront land located at 155 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. The project aims to deliver a premier recreational destination for the region with entertainment, amusement, and retail uses along with over seven acres of public open space. This RFP is a key part of the Staten Island North Shore Action Plan announced in September 2023 by Mayor Eric Adams, Councilmember Hanks, and NYCEDC, that outlines a four-year roadmap for a clear and unified vision for the future of Staten Island’s North Shore.

“This is an incredible opportunity to create a brand new entertainment destination for New Yorkers just steps from St. George Terminal,” said Deputy Mayor of Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “This project is integral to our North Shore Action Plan that will transform this stretch of Staten Island’s coast into mixed-use, transit-accessible neighborhoods complete with new commercial opportunities, waterfront access, and thousands of new homes and jobs. We look forward to reviewing proposals to activate Staten Island's North Shore for the community and visitors alike.”

“In partnership with Mayor Adams, Borough President Fosella and Councilwoman Hanks, NYCEDC is already delivering results on the recently announced North Shore Action Plan,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “The next big step forward is the release of the RFP for North Shore Entertainment and Amusement Site with a goal of delivering an iconic multi-use recreational destination with amenities that visitors of all ages can enjoy.”

“The North Shore Entertainment and Amusement Site RFP marks a crucial milestone in our North Shore Action Plan,” said Councilmember Kamillah Hanks. “I am excited to imagine a new purpose for the former wheel site that aligns with the community's preferences, emphasizing waterfront access and fostering sensible development. This RFP is an important step towards creating a more accessible and vibrant waterfront.”

The Action Plan will accelerate the completion of over 2,400 new homes on City-owned sites, commits over $400M in public funding towards completing the two-mile continuous public waterfront esplanade spanning from Stapleton to St. George and over 20 acres of public open space, will create over 7,500 family-sustaining jobs, and generate an estimated economic impact of $3.8 billion over the next 30 years.  

Goals for the North Shore Entertainment and Amusement Site RFP include:

• Creating high-quality waterfront public open space;
• Enhancing Staten Island's sense of place with an iconic and distinctive visual gateway to the borough's North Shore;
• Delivering a premier recreational destination with entertainment, amusement, and retail uses of scale and distinction that capitalize on the Site's prominent waterfront location;
• Building upon the thriving civic and recreational hub of St. George with increased economic and commercial activity;
• Activating the Site with year-round programming and events; and,
• Offering a design, construction, and financial plan for achieving the project’s goals

The North Shore Entertainment and Amusement Site, located on the St. George waterfront of Staten Island’s North Shore, will deliver a highly visible, world-class public amenity that has the potential to provide an enduring regional attraction for years to come. Development at the North Shore Entertainment and Amusement Site will compliment the St. George Esplanade project undertaken by the City to restore public waterfront access with pedestrian and bike paths that connect to the existing esplanade to the east.

“I’ve had numerous productive dialogues with NYCEDC leadership regarding the progress of this site, and I’m glad to finally see that an RFP will now be put out,” said Assemblymember Charles Fall. “This initiative is a crucial part of our Staten Island North Shore Action Plan, with a $400 million investment and the potential to generate nearly $4 billion in economic impact; bringing high-quality waterfront access, job opportunities, and a premier recreational destination to our community. This is a significant step toward realizing our vision for a vibrant and prosperous North Shore.”

“We remain hopeful that the NY Wheel Site will begin paying dividends to Staten Island, especially for St. George and the nearby community,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “The site has languished and has been underutilized for far too long. We are grateful for Mayor Adams and EDC President, Andrew Kimball for their willingness to go in a different direction, as well as their desire to establish new input and ideas for potential use at the site.”

“The St. George Civic Association is pleased that steps are finally being taken to liberate our amazing waterfront from the failed wheel project,” said Eileen Harrington, President of the St. George Civic Association. “We are hopeful that the parties submitting proposals for this site will work in partnership with the SGCA to develop a smarter plan that will provide continuous shoreline access for the community while creating jobs, recreation and housing for our neighbors. We thank Councilmember Hanks, the NYC EDC, and this administration for their efforts to bring our dream to a reality.”

The procurement opened today, and proposals are due by April 8, 2024.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.