When it finally opens, Meadowlands project could be a kid’s ‘Dream’ come true

This week, the Meadowlands eyesore on the Turnpike, Xanadu "American Dream" is back in the headlines with a new partner, Nickelodeon.

With the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as hot as ever, they'll join SpongeBob SquarePants and some newer characters as themed rides and attractions.

This isn't just supposed to be a roller coaster, a few characters and a party room. It's billed as the "largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere."

For those who've lost track of what's been brewing beneath that Lego-like exterior around Turnpike Interchange 16W, here's what's coming: An actual Lego superstore, a Dreamworks Water Park, indoor ski and snow park, an aquarium, ice rink, ferris wheel, a mini-golf course and a mega movie theater.

Sounds like my kids (not to mention husband) would never want to leave!

But forgive this skeptic Proud Jersey Girl- amid this project's many delays, exactly when is all of this going to 'magically' appear?

Earlier this summer, we got an estimate that the massive entertainment and retail complex would be done by 2018. (Kids born on the year that work began on this massive project  will be getting their driver's permits by then!)

On the retail part of American Dream, there's plans for a high-end shopping area with anchor tenants Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor. Lots of dining options are planned with 15 full-service restaurants.

And while we're lining up all these great new attractions, could SOMEONE please slap a fresh coat of paint on the outside?

Proud Jersey Girl Erin Vogt’s first reporting gig involved her Fisher Price tape recorder. As a wife and momma of two kiddies, she firmly believes that life’s too short to drink bad coffee. A fan of the beach, Dave Grohl and karma, in no particular order.

Follow her on Twitter and on Facebook as ProudJersey.