Canandaigua just scored a major win — but there’s a catch.
The town was named a Pro Housing Community, one of only 273 across New York State. That recognition unlocks access to up to $750 million in state funding. But despite the honor, Supervisor Jared Simpson says the town’s future is at risk because of something far more basic: electricity.
Infrastructure gap puts housing and jobs on hold
Simpson says Canandaigua’s electric grid is severely behind, and the consequences are already showing.
A proposed housing development along the 332 Uptown Corridor is now paused after the utility, RGE, dropped a bombshell: bringing power to the site could cost $15 to $25 million. That’s about $35,000 to $40,000 extra per home — and builders didn’t get that number until a week before construction was supposed to start.
“This lack of electric infrastructure will make it virtually impossible to have any significant housing growth in the near future,” Simpson warned.
The town has applied for a $10 million Pro Housing grant to start fixing the problem. It won’t be enough, he says, but it could kick-start progress.
Business boom at risk too
It’s not just housing that’s in danger. A SpaceX company recently purchased the Akoustis site on Campus Drive, with plans to ramp up high-tech chip production. But Simpson says there likely won’t be enough power to run the facility — or enough homes to support a growing workforce.
He estimates the total cost to modernize electric infrastructure in the 332 corridor could hit $100 million.
What went wrong?
According to Simpson, RGE told town leaders last year there was plenty of power for future growth. But that turned out to be false.
In reality, electric demand in the area has jumped 50% over the last five years — partly due to new development, but mostly because of state electrification mandates. Cars, homes, and appliances are all using more electricity, but Ontario County hasn’t seen the grid investments needed to keep up.
“When you pair the lack of investment with electric mandates coming from Albany, you have the perfect storm,” Simpson wrote. “Unfortunately, we are stuck right in the middle of it all.”
Still fighting for solutions
Despite the setbacks, Simpson says the town is pushing forward. He praised Senator Helming for helping pressure RGE to pay attention to Canandaigua.
And while the road ahead may be long and expensive, he says the town’s goals haven’t changed.
“As your Town Supervisor I will continue to advocate for the infrastructure needed to provide the housing, jobs and industry our town needs.”
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].