NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. -- The eight-day Canalfest of the Tonawandas is in full swing, but not everyone's focus was on Tuesday's parade. In the background of the route on Webster Street sits a billboard for lingerie and adult store Xsentuals.
North Tonawanda Alderman Jeff Glatz and Niagara County Legislator Rich Andres released a joint statement calling for the removal of the billboard.
“This kind of advertising doesn’t belong in North Tonawanda," Glatz said. "We have worked hard to protect our city’s family-friendly atmosphere."
“As a father of a young family, I was mortified when my children began asking questions about the sign during a recent trip to the Canal Side Creamery," said Andres.
Those thoughts weren't shared by everyone, including the model herself. Ashley Alexiss, who we reached by phone.
"There's worse on the advertisements in the mall or things on children's Facebook," Alexiss said. "I think that image is very conservative. I mean there's a little bit of cleavage, but that's what happens when you feature a curvy model."
The billboard is owned by Lamar Advertising Company. Lamar officials say the ad will be removed when the contract is up at the end of August, and that they will ask the business to advertise in another location in the future.