The Canandaigua Planning and Finance Committees met jointly on June 9 to discuss progress on the city’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan update, key infrastructure bids, and the status of flood resiliency efforts at Sucker Brook.
Comprehensive Plan Update Presented
Members of the Comprehensive Plan Task Force briefed the Planning Committee on ongoing revisions to the 2020 Comprehensive Plan. According to the committee, the update focuses on refreshing demographic data, assessing housing and transportation needs, and re-evaluating zoning designations across the city. A citywide survey is underway to collect feedback from residents and elected officials.
The task force, led by City Council member Thomas Lyon, emphasized that the current review—Canandaigua’s seventh planning effort since 1958—is intended to ensure relevancy, not to overhaul the document. A final draft of the plan outlines 15 goals, including enhancing multi-modal transportation, expanding affordable housing, supporting mixed-use downtown development, and preserving historic and environmental assets.
City Manager John Goodwin noted that implementation would include the formation of a new Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee and a comprehensive review of city zoning regulations.
DRI Project Proposals Taking Shape
The Planning Committee also received an update on potential municipal submissions for the city’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). Early concepts include redeveloping Coach and Phoenix Streets, installing new wayfinding signage, and adding public restrooms to support tourism. Goodwin solicited feedback from committee members, emphasizing that formal proposals are being developed with input from city staff.
Flood Resiliency Grant Effort Underway
Goodwin and Kevin Olvany of the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council provided an update on the city’s application for the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Resilient Watershed Grant. The funding, if awarded, would support flood mitigation efforts in the Sucker Brook watershed. No formal decision or vote was taken during the update.
Finance Committee Approves Parts Bid
In its session following the Planning Committee meeting, the Finance Committee unanimously recommended awarding a water and sewer parts contract to Core & Main. The contract covers critical materials such as pipes, valves, and hydrants required for the city’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems. This year, the city requested unit pricing without minimum order requirements, aligning with practices in other municipalities. All expenditures are within the city’s pre-budgeted allocations.
The next City Council meeting is expected to include updates on DRI proposal submissions and progress on the Sucker Brook grant application.
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