Wallenda outlines plan for N Falls walk

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - Nik Wallenda presented new plans to the Niagara Parks Commission, this week.

The proposal outlined his exact path across the falls. Still, he's walking a fine line with the Canadians and some in Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls historian Paul Gromoziak said, "Oh my God, it's ridiculous to even contemplate such a thing! Leave the falls alone! If you want to walk on a rope, go some place else."

Gromoziak is outraged over Wallenda's proposed stunt. Wallenda wants to cross the falls, on a tight rope, no wider than a nickel. Gromoziak says the state has reneged on its promise to keep the falls "natural" consenting to Wallenda's walk.

"And now by permitting this, this stunt to be performed, in the park, it's opening the flood gates, I think, to many things similar to that come," argued Gromoziak.

Earlier this week, Wallenda outlined his exact course crossing international boundaries.

Wallenda described, "From Table Rock to Terapin Point, right across the horseshoe. No one has ever set up a rope that close to the horseshoe."

But the plan needs to be approved by the Niagara Parks Commission in Canada. Interim chairwoman Janie Thomson opposed the plan after Wallenda's presentation.

"It's not something that for us is consistent with what we're supposed to be doing, which is presenting a natural wonder, and that's what you're supposed to be awestruck by," stated Thomson.

Many who visited the park support Wallenda's plan because it would likely bring tourism money to Niagara Falls, and other parts of western New York. Not true, says Gromoziak.

Gromoziak said, "And that Rainbow Bridge is going to be mobbed with people, going over there to see Wallenda. You're going to have balcony seats set up over there because it's so much better."

Regardless of the outcome, Gromoziak says the issue is bigger than stunts.

"How far are we going to go with this stuff? Let's simmer it down, let's keep this place the way it was meant to be," concluded Gromoziak.