Residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake are demanding council send back a proposal to build a 6-story hotel on a historical estate. Located in wine country, they argue the development plans will ruin the character of the Randwood estate and destroy the view.
“Millions of visitors over the years come here for the charm and the unique and distinct character of Niagara-on-the-Lake. We should tread very carefully before we alter that.” Resident.
However, if the plans of developer Benny Marotta are successful, the estate may soon have a vastly different look. In 2011 a hotel development on the estate was approved by city council, while under the then-ownership of renowned artist Trisha Romance and her husband Gary Peterson. Now under Marotta’s ownership he’s submitted a new plan that would see the hotel’s height increase from 5-to-6 stories, with multiple patios and restaurants, as well as a much larger spa facility.
Another concern for neighbours is the clear-cutting of the property next-door to the estate and adjacent to the Two Sisters Winery which is also owned by Marotta. The group plans to make their objections known at Thursday nights meeting where they expect hundreds to attend.
