NJSEA Demands Xanadu Update Following Criticism Of Appearance

NJSEA Says Xanadu Developers Still Must Seek Approval Of Proposed Ferris Wheel

The NJSEA has "demanded a public show-and-tell" from Xanadu developers after complaints that the project looks "yucky," according to Maura McDermott of the Newark STAR-LEDGER. NJSEA Chair Carl Goldberg, in a letter to Xanadu President Larry Siegel, said NJSEA's BOD has "widespread concern with the current appearance" of the project. Goldberg said that Xanadu's architects at the NJSEA BOD meeting on March 27 must show what the complex "will look like when it is complete, from its signs to its color schemes." Goldberg added that the developers "must submit plans for the proposed Ferris wheel," which is slated to bear a 150-foot digital Pepsi sign after Pepsi and Xanadu last month reached a near $100M sponsorship agreement. Goldberg noted that the Pepsi Globe "cannot be built unless the authority approves the design and sponsorship terms." Goldberg said the NJSEA will do a "thorough and complete review to make sure it's consistent with the original conceptual presentation." New Jersey Senate President Richard Codey has called Xanadu "yucky looking," while Rutherford, New Jersey, Borough Attorney Lane Biviano has created an anti-wheel Web site, savetheskyline.com. East Rutherford Mayor James Cassella said of Xanadu, "It's going to look a little honky-tonk, I think. A lot of people have complained to me about the colors" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 3/19).

FINISHING TOUCHES: Goldberg said that it is "not too late for the Xanadu duckling to turn into a swan." Goldberg: "The elements that would make it successful are the finishing elements that tie parts of the exterior together. And there is no ambiguity that they are world-class architects. I'm just hopeful they will take the intent of the letter to heart, and be prepared to quell some of the anxiety by their presentation." Meanwhile, Goldberg said of the Pepsi Globe, "The details should include but not be limited to size, color, lighting and most importantly a thorough viewshed analysis from adjacent properties'' (Bergen RECORD, 3/19).