The balloon rises

Live! Inc.’s balloon attraction adjacent to the former Howard Johnson’s on the space that once tainted Niagara Falls with helicopter rides is now home to a new balloon attraction.

Mike DiCienzo was on site Wednesday speaking with Mayor Robert Restaino as crews put finishing touches on the attraction.

A similar balloon lifted the Olympic Torch over Paris and also functions at Disney.

Restaino is happy to see the new development in his city.

“We need more things that bring people here,” he said. “We are happy to support this every step of the way.”

DiCienzo, whose company is building a rock-themed resort on the site, said the helium-filled balloon will lift visitors 500 feet in the air. He estimated it will be visible when elevated from 10 miles away.

Rides will cost $50 for the general public, $25 for Niagara Falls residents. You can book herehttps://live-incorporated.com/fallsview-balloon-ride/ It will be interesting to see if the location affords rainbow views from above because past balloon rides over the falls have yielded photos of circular rainbows.

A weather station has been established atop the hotel to monitor wind speed, among other things. The balloon will not fly with wind speed greater than 28 mph.

DiCienzo, whose interests also control the Sheraton Hotel on Third Street, said conceptual drawing showing an airplane on top of the Hotel Live! were just that, conceptual. Ultimately, the rock-themed hotel will have a bar, performance space and themed floors. The $16 million project plans to open next June, featuring a $2.8 million music venue and a $1.5 million celebrity-endorsed restaurant and bar.

DiCienzo is bullish on Niagara Falls, NY.

“More people need to move here, buy homes and start businesses,” he said. “It is a great opportunity.”

Asked about the state continuously investing in its State Park, Power Plant and other facilities while sharing no revenue from parking or the Maid of the Mist and paying no property tax on Niagara Falls waterfront, Restaino had a blunt response.

“We have a flagship park, a flagship power project and the state loves to talk about it,” Restaino said, “but they never do anything for the port where those flagships are docked.”

The State pays tax on parks elsewhere, like the Adirondacks.

Restaino said he is proud of the job his administration has done, from moving projects in the right direction to seeing the bond rating increased because of responsible fiscal management