The City of Canandaigua Planning Commission approved a proposal this week to expand Coho Pizza and Wine Bar at 811 South Main Street, despite ongoing concerns about parking availability near the city pier.
The 5–1 vote followed a lengthy discussion about an application submitted by Coho Development, which sought a modification to an existing Special Use Permit and architectural approval to build a second-floor addition. The space would be used for overflow dining, storage, staff offices, and event hosting.
Applicant representative Daniel Long, an architect and planner, described the project as a “rehabilitation” of the upper floor that aims to improve both customer experience and operational efficiency for Seager Marine, which owns the restaurant.
“This would provide a space customers can enjoy as part of the Canandaigua lakefront experience,” Long said, noting that the proposed structure includes accessible features such as an elevator and open glass walls facing the lake.
Co-owner John Holland added that the project also includes relocating the building’s entrance to South Main Street to address confusion over the current access point, which faces a parking lot.
The expansion raised concerns from commissioners about parking demand in the lakefront area, particularly during peak summer months. Commissioners questioned whether the applicant had adequately addressed the city’s parking requirements tied to increased seating capacity.
Commission members and city staff discussed the lack of formal parking arrangements and the potential to utilize an undeveloped gravel lot at 12 Lakeshore Drive, which Holland proposed to improve at his own expense.
“We’ve looked at the lot, and planned out what would work,” Holland said, estimating that it could yield 40 spaces. However, no formal agreement or partnership with the city currently exists. City officials noted that any improvements to public property would require approval by the City Council and adherence to municipal standards.
Other options, such as securing formal parking agreements with neighboring businesses or Wegmans, were raised by commissioners. Holland acknowledged that some employees and customers already informally use the adjacent plaza lot but said no formal arrangement is in place.
Planning Commission Chair James Hitchcock expressed concern that expanding the business without concrete parking solutions could exacerbate pressure on nearby businesses such as New York Kitchen.
“Without guidance to the public, people are left to their own devices, and it becomes a problem,” Hitchcock said.
Despite lingering reservations, the commission approved the expansion with the understanding that parking issues may still require further attention. Commissioner Bill Morrow cast the lone dissenting vote.
Drive-through coffee shop proposal tabled
The commission tabled a decision on a request from 7 Brew Coffee to demolish the former Denny’s at 160 Eastern Boulevard and construct a drive-through-only coffee stand.
Applicant representative Doug Beach-Hill said the proposed 510-square-foot modular building would feature two drive-through lanes and no indoor seating. The business model relies on employees taking orders via iPads from cars as they queue, with beverages delivered through walk-up service.
The plan includes 24 stacking spaces for vehicles and parking for approximately 21 cars to meet zoning requirements. The company, which operates over 100 locations nationwide, intends to acquire and possibly subdivide the large parcel, though no second tenant is currently identified.
The commission noted that Ontario County Planning Board and the city Department of Public Works had not yet submitted required reviews. The item was tabled pending those referrals.
Signage approvals granted for downtown businesses
The commission approved several applications related to signage and historic alterations in the city’s Business Improvement District:
- Application #25-328: Approved for 40 South Main Street, allowing Ryan Bush State Farm to replace existing Stewart Title signage with individually mounted white acrylic letters. Existing lighting may remain in place, with discussions around updating the fixtures.
- Application #25-329: Approved for 87 South Main Street, where Mystic Mermaid Artisan Collective will install a new wall sign and chalkboard-style A-frame sign. Owner Linda Vertel explained that the collective features fair trade and handmade items from local and global artists.
Country club privacy fence approved
The commission also approved Application #25-331 from Canandaigua Country Club to install a 230-foot privacy fence along Lakeshore Drive. General Manager Jim Fields said the six-foot rustic gray vinyl fence will shield the parking lot and deter unauthorized public access to the golf course.
The fence will extend from an existing chain-link section and run along the property line to the main building, skipping over the driveway. The applicant stated that no gate is proposed at this time.
Other items
The agenda also included two additional architectural review applications:
- Application #25-333: Diner on Main at 305 South Main Street sought approval to install signage. No transcript of discussion or decision was found in the provided materials.
- Application #25-341: Finger Lakes Premier Properties at 22 Lakeshore Drive requested approval for exterior renovations. No further details or vote was included in the transcript.
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