Eyesore or opportunity for tourists?

  
  Niagara Falls' newest tourist attraction came under court order.

   A ninth-floor observation deck at One Niagara on Rainbow Boulevard opened Friday after a judge ruled that the building could temporarily sidestep the city's approval process.

   A story in today's Niagara & Region  section explains how building manager and co-owner Frank Parlato Jr. received court permission to open the top floor.

   It's not the first time Parlato has taken an alternative route to opening the building. In 2007, he struck a deal with city officials to allow him to bypass the city's Planning Board for several months so that he could operate through the tourist season while he worked to bring the building up to code.

   The building plunged back into regulatory limbo last year after the city revoked that site plan approval, but allowed its certificate of occupancy to remain. It has not issued proper approvals for the ninth floor.

   Some see the building as an eyesore. Others see it as one of the few options open for tourists outside of Niagara Falls State Park and the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel.

   What do you think?

   -- Denise Jewell Gee

Comments

[Dan Davis]

Unless our city government has a viable alternative for this property they should do everything, within reason, to make sure the current owner is successful. Otherwise, it could follow the fate of unoccupied downtown real estate.

[Hans the Butcher]

BEWARE of anything Frank Parloto has his hands on. Remember all of the poor folks he was accused of scamming on the East Side of Buffalo. Does he ever do anything that does not call attention to himself? That is not the way of a good Hindu.

[PJ]

I take groups through Niagara Falls and the entire Region. This entire facility is a horror and a testimony to why visitors consider the Canadian side to be a better experience. The US side has superb State Parks, a waterside experience that rivals much of the Canadian side - then this junkheap. The food is abysmal, the souvenir junk sellers outside are like a 3rd World Flea Market, and the whole image destroys any feeling of a world class Tourism destination. I am ashamed of this place....the Politicians of Niagara Falls, including the invisible Mayor, are not leaders. There is no vision. The City Council bickers over the Tourism Marketing Organization but does nothing to enhance the experience. Vote for crap, you get crap. Proven, again, by the Politicians in Niagara Falls. Bring back Dewitt Clinton!!!!!!!