In January 1972, Marriott announced its plans for the massive theme park. It was to be called "Marriott's Great America" and was to include four separate entertainment areas: a park with thrill rides; a marine life park; a drive through animal preserve; and a New Orleans-styled indoor plaza with specialty shops, theatres and restaurants. A 600-room hotel and a campground were also to be built in the park. Marriott projected that the park would draw 11 million visitors a year when completed. Many local residents supported the project, while many others opposed it. Supporters argued that it would provide jobs, entertainment opportunities and tax revenues, while opponents contended that it would overwhelm area roads and the local sewerage system, and that it would result in undesired commercial sprawl. Opponents of the proposed park included Kingdon Gould. HRD and the Rouse Company defended criticism of their sale of the property to Marriott in part on the grounds the theme park would result in more open space than residential development of the land. In September 1972, the County Council rejected Marriott's request for changes in zoning laws that were needed for the project to go forward. The sale of the land by HRD to Marriott was never completed.