By Don Glynn/glynnd@gnnewspaper.com
Niagara Gazette
— Just two months away from the prime tourist season, the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours are preparing to launch.
Some unresolved issues, however, have surfaced occasionally during winter meetings at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, where the fleet is based, and in Lewiston.
One concern was raised Monday night at the Village Board meeting. Claudia Marasco of Lewiston, who lives along the riverfront, complained that the jet boat tour guides were using a kind of bullhorn to keep passengers informed about various sites.
Marasco reminded board members that jet boast owner John Kinney had agreed to a follow-up session to air such complaints but that never happened.
Lewiston Deputy Mayor Michael J. Marra swung into action the next day and contacted Kinney who quickly agreed to set up a meeting, if needed.
In addition, Kinney said the company — aware of the noise factor from the bullhorn — has installed an “internal sound system” which should prove less bothersome to anyone along the shoreline.
“I understand why people would be concerned about that noise and Mr. Kinney has taken the proper action,” Marra said, “We think this is one of the area’s best attractions so we’re glad that we can resolve such matters.” The mayor also informed Marasco about his call to Kinney.
Marra is certainly right about the attraction for visitors. Seldom will you spot one of those jet boats skipping along the lower river with an empty seat. Passengers leaving the docks always give rave reviews to the scenery, the history they hear from the tour guide, the thrill of the white water and the splendor of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge and the massive hydro-electric plants.
Tourist industry leaders on the U.S. side have staunchly supported the jet boats as a key component in the strategy to give visitors another reason to extend their stay.
Perhaps the most vocal opposition to the jet boat operations has been from the Niagara River Coalition. Among other things, the group took issue with a recent study – by Urban and Environmental Management, a consulting firm — that estimated the jet boat tours generated a direct economic impact of $42 million per year, resulting in 550 jobs.
Ian McEwan, a coalition member, has argued that the only real evidence of an economic benefit is the lease payments to the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake for the dock.
Marina operators and Youngstown Yacht Club members also have pointed out that the jet boats need to power down so they don’t disrupt others on the waterway.
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TROUBLE SPOTS: Mayor Dyster was right on the money when he recently noted that the city’s DPW was doing the best job it could to fix potholes throughout the city. On one blustery day, a crew repaired several deep holes on Whirlpool Street, despite the sleet and bitter temperatures.
Meanwhile, on the Robert Moses Parkway, about half way down the Lewiston hill, countless drivers seize the chance to pull into the left lane to avoid a section of cracked roadbed. That spot is just opposite the large sign for the “Artpark Lewiston” exit.
Obviously the state Department of Transportation crew will be on the scene some day but, for now, you may want to think about safely switching lanes. It might save you a tire or two.
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HATS OFF!: To Dick Kellick and his sister Jean, who recently retired as co-owners of Kellick’s Printing, 1605 Main St., a North End business their father started more than 50 years ago.
The two were honored Monday during the 26th annual St. Patrick’s Day Party at the Conference Center Niagara Falls.
The Kellick family, steeped in Irish traditions, has been active for decades in local business and community endeavors.
