Saint John council commits to 60-year lease of Falls Restaurant

Saint John city council has agreed to lease the former Falls Restaurant overlooking Reversing Falls to a local businessman for 60 years.

The city had planned to demolish the restaurant that closed in 2014, but has changed its mind after a proposal from businessman Max Kotlowski to rejuvenate the site.

Kotlowski will be responsible for the property taxes which the city will collect over the next 60 years and take over full responsibility for the site. The amount of rent to be a paid for the site has not been set.

"From the perspective of the taxpayers of the city, it's a win," said Mayor Mel Norton.

"There is no outlay of funds from the city. It is a positive financial outcome for the city and Mr. Kotlowski right off the bat is investing $500,000 into the Reversing Falls Restaurant facility," said Norton.

Kotlowski is also putting forward an initial investment $500,000 to renovate the property.

After consulting with city officialsover the pastfour months, Kotlowski proposed plans for a new restaurant and tourist facility with an observation desk.

"I have big plans," Kotlowski said.

However, it will be a while before any changes are visible.

"It will take three months of engineering, then coincidentally winter starts,so it's unlikely you will notice a change to the building until March."

The pressure is on to bring the building, which has been closed since 2014, up to the city's standard.

"We do know that the concept of this project and Mr. Kotlowski has received wide-spread support form the tourism community and the designs are quite exciting," said Norton.

"We're optimistic that if Mr. Kotlowski follows through on his designs that the community will be very pleased with the outcome," said Mayor Norton.

Having a rejuvenated Reversing Falls property appealed to all councillors as they voted to pass the motion to commit last night.

However the length of the lease did not sit well with Coun.Donna Reardon.

"I like everything about the project but I'm not there with the big, long 60-year leases. I don't think they're beneficial for anyone, especially not for Saint Johnners," said Reardon.

"We need to be moving along with the times and we need to be upgrading all the time and making new deals because things change."

Norton explained the 60-year lease as fair to ensure Kotlowski's return on his investment.

Kotlowski says there is a lot of work to be done but expects to be open as early asJune 1, 2016.