Great Wheel neighbors complain about Seahawks light show

SEATTLE — Some people who live in downtown condos are irritated by flashing light displays on Seattle's Great Wheel.

Operators of the Great Wheel told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News that they have staged about two dozen special-occasion light shows since the wheel opened last summer.

After neighbors complained, they voluntarily limited the hours.

On Sunday night, some neighbors were upset by an elaborate light show celebrating the Seahawks' win. The show ended at 7 p.m.

Seattle city councilmember Sally Bagshaw, who lives downtown, said that she hears daily complaints about the light shows. In fact, she has experienced the impact in her own home.

"It really is what it might feel like if you're standing at an amusement park," Bagshaw said.

The wheel never came to the city council for a vote. The Department of Planning and Development issued the permit.

The permit mentions lighting, but mostly in regard to maintaining minimal impact on marine life.

Bagshaw says the Ferris wheel operators have started emailing neighbors when elaborate shows are planned.

She added that, overall, the wheel has been good for waterfront businesses.

Most of the Seattle Great Wheel's hundreds of thousands of LED lights were off Monday.

KIRO