The City of Canandaigua Planning and Finance Committees met this week to review updates to the city’s Comprehensive Plan, discuss project submissions for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), consider flood mitigation efforts, and award a water and sewer parts contract.
Comprehensive Plan Task Force Reports Progress
The Comprehensive Plan Task Force provided an update on its ongoing revisions to the city’s master planning document. According to the final draft of the 2025 update, the review incorporates new U.S. Census data and updates on prior recommendations. The Task Force, chaired by Councilmember Thomas Lyon, includes members of the City Council, Planning Commission, and city residents. It met five times between September and November 2024 and focused on updating data and reviewing implementation efforts.
Key goals of the plan include expanding housing options, improving transportation infrastructure, and preserving historic and environmental assets. The draft also recommends forming an Implementation Committee and conducting a zoning revision across the city.
DRI Public Project Submissions Outlined
City Manager John Goodwin outlined preliminary proposals for the city’s submission to the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Proposed public projects include redesigning Phoenix and Coach Streets, constructing public restrooms, and enhancing wayfinding signage. Goodwin solicited feedback from Council on the prioritization and scope of these projects.
Flood Resiliency Planning for Sucker Brook
An update on flood resiliency efforts at Sucker Brook was also presented. The city is pursuing funding through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Resilient Watershed Grant. Kevin Olvany participated in presenting the grant-related efforts, which aim to mitigate flood risks and protect water quality in the area.
Finance Committee Awards Parts Bid to Core & Main
The Finance Committee, chaired by Councilmember Donna Cator, reviewed and approved a bid for water and sewer infrastructure parts. Bids had been solicited for pipe, fittings, valves, hydrants, and related items. The Department of Public Works recommended Core & Main as the vendor, noting that the company submitted pricing for all requested items.
The awarded contract allows for unit pricing without a minimum order, aligning the city’s procurement process with other municipalities and giving staff flexibility in purchasing. Expenditures will not exceed the amounts already budgeted in the city’s operating accounts.
Planning Commission Tables Boathouse Application
During the Planning Commission session, an application involving post-factum approval for vinyl siding on City Pier Boathouse No. 12 was tabled. Elizabeth Thibodeau, representing her family, explained that the siding was replaced due to water damage and matched existing materials on other sides of the structure. However, members of the Planning Commission expressed concern that vinyl siding is not historically appropriate under city guidelines.
Commissioner Tony DiPrima stated, “We don’t allow vinyl siding on the boathouses,” while other members debated whether replacement of existing vinyl with similar materials constituted an alteration requiring approval. Ultimately, the application was tabled pending further clarification, with the Planning Department to follow up directly with the applicant.
YMCA and Gallo Winery Projects Approved
Two additional site plan and architectural review applications were approved. The Sands Family YMCA received approval to expand an existing storage shed on its property. The 16-by-24-foot shed will be doubled in size, with metal siding and roofing replacing the current materials. No public comments were received during the hearing.
E&J Gallo Winery also received approval for a new 30-by-60-foot open-air pavilion structure for grape processing during the fall harvest. The structure will include a container-style office and is set far from public roads and residences. The facility is intended to reduce congestion and streamline grape inspections. Lighting will be minimal and limited to the structure’s interior.
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