The Canandaigua Planning and Finance Committee tackled key development and infrastructure issues during its February 10 meeting, covering the city’s long-awaited downtown revitalization funding, a proposed housing subdivision, and a public art initiative aimed at enhancing community spaces.
$10M DRI moves forward after win
Mayor Bob Palumbo talked about the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant the city won from New York State. The City had made multiple attempts at winning the DRI grant dating back to 2016. The funding will support downtown improvements, including the conversion of upper floors in several Main Street buildings into 21 new apartments, facade renovations, retail storefront updates, and the installation of public restrooms.
Palumbo addressed online criticism and misconceptions, emphasizing that the project does not involve new lakeshore developments or contributions from the Sands family. The revitalization plan, developed with input from local business owners and economic development groups, will be reviewed by a state committee before implementation begins. Officials expect a yearlong planning process before work begins.
“This is a huge win for Canandaigua,” Palumbo said. “It’s been years in the making, and now we can start making real improvements downtown.”
Public art initiative at Kershaw Park
City officials also reviewed an expansion of the Paints and Rec program, a summer initiative that engages local youth in community art projects. Organizers proposed murals at Kershaw Park’s bathhouse, with designs reflecting the area’s history, ecology, and local wildlife.
Courtney Austin, the program’s director, detailed plans to paint large-scale murals featuring Finger Lakes maps, vintage postcard imagery, and educational depictions of native fish and birds. The project will also include signage updates, lifeguard appreciation displays, and historical tributes.
Council members raised questions about the durability of paint on rolling gate doors and the program’s timeline, noting the potential for construction delays during peak summer months. The committee ultimately approved the design plan, which will go to the full council for final approval.
85-unit housing development proposed for northeast part of city
Developers presented plans for an 85-unit residential subdivision, Water Chase, on a 27-acre parcel in the city’s northeast sector. The project, led by Canandaigua Homes, proposes single-family homes priced starting in the $300,000 range, aimed at addressing the region’s shortage of attainable housing.
The development has a long history, with prior proposals dating back to 2005. This iteration includes detached homes rather than townhouses, and developers opted to pay park impact fees instead of setting aside land for additional park space.
City officials discussed concerns about stormwater management, as the site is known for water retention issues. Engineers assured the council that modern drainage solutions, including bio-retention areas, would mitigate runoff and prevent flooding in nearby neighborhoods.
The proposal also includes underground utilities, one-sided sidewalks, and construction traffic restrictions to limit disruptions for existing residents. The committee voted to move the project to the full council for consideration.
Debating long-term dumpsters
Council members discussed complaints about a residential dumpster that has remained in place for more than 14 months due to an ongoing home renovation project. Under the current ordinance, dumpsters are allowed as long as a building permit remains active, which has led to extended placement in some cases.
Council members debated potential regulations, such as requiring screening, imposing time limits, or introducing renewal fees for long-term dumpster use. Some officials expressed concerns about overregulating homeowners making improvements, while others stressed the importance of maintaining neighborhood aesthetics.
City staff will research how other municipalities handle similar issues and present potential policy recommendations at a future meeting.
What’s next?
The committee forwarded both the Kershaw Park mural project and the Water Chase housing proposal to the full council for final approval. Meanwhile, city officials will continue refining plans for the DRI grant and evaluating potential dumpster regulations.
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