STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. --

on the North Shore would require City Council approval -- and at least two of the borough's councilmembers are enthusiastic about the project.

"My initial reaction is that this project is unique and quirky enough to actually get people off the ferry and to Staten Island," Councilman James Oddo (R-Mid-Island) said.

For years, Oddo said, people have been asking how to get the 2 million tourists who ride the ferry annually to spend some time in the borough, instead of just turning right back for Manhattan.

"I guess the word is funny, that after all the thinking and all the 'how do we do it?', a Ferris wheel is the answer," Oddo said.

He said in addition to luring tourists -- especially those from Europe, who typically spend a good deal of money during their trips to the Big Apple -- the wheel could become Staten Island's answer to the Cyclone in Coney Island.

"I think it's got a chance to really become iconic," Oddo said.

The parcel being considered for the project is owned by the city, and located between the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George and Jersey Street. The New York City Economic Development Corporation asked for requests for expressions of interest for the site almost a year ago -- and is now negotiating with a company about the wheel, sources said. Oddo said he doesn't have all the details, but is familiar with the project and reiterated the wheel wouldn't be paid for by the city -- it would be erected by a private company.

"Crazier things have happened, so I think people need to take a deep breath and think about it, and maybe educate themselves on the London Eye before they say this is silly," he said. "I don't think it's silly at all."

The use of the city land would require a Council vote, he said. The wheel is located in the district of Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore).

"Obviously it's Debi's district and she'll have a large say in the matter," Oddo said, "But I think that it's the unique kind of draw that we've been looking for."

Ms. Rose wasn't available to speak to the Advance this afternoon.

Councilman Vincent Ignizio agreed that the London Eye has been a success, and the idea could work here.

"The goal here is and has always been to get the millions of tourists from New York City to take one step, and then ten steps, and really explore Staten Island, and I think this goes a long way," he said.

He hoped that after getting off the boat and visiting the wheel and shops that would crop up nearby, people would think about checking out other Island spots, like Snug Harbor or Historic Richmond Town.

Ignizio said specifics -- like any objections nearby residents might have to the structure's height -- will have to be considered when there is more information available.

"I like the thought process of the EDC in saying 'We want to make Staten Island more of a destination,' " he said.

If built, he thought the wheel would be packed from day one.

"It will be a have-to-visit for all national and international tourists -- you have to go see the Statue of Liberty; you have to go see the Empire State Building; and you're going to have to take a picture at the Ferris wheel on Staten Island," Ignizio said.

Elected officials aren't the only ones on board. Plenty of commenters on SILive.com, the Advance's home on the Web, have expressed support, too -- though some have concerns about the cost, or making sure Staten Island gets its fair share of the revenue. Some others thought other spots would be better for the wheel.

"I have to say I love this idea, too," wrote sinative70. "It will definitely give people a reason to get off the ferry. I need to ask though, will it be Staten Island that benefits by the revenue, or will it go into city coffers, which we all know, will be earmarked for 'something' in Manhattan?"