The Canandaigua Planning Commission approved a minor subdivision tied to a future water quality project and signed off on signage for the redeveloped former YMCA building during its Feb. 11 meeting.
Commissioners first held a public hearing on an application to subdivide a 15.1-acre parcel at 111 North Road into two lots — one 6.1 acres and the other 9.0 acres. The request was a renewal of an approval that expired in October.
Sarah Reynolds, representing the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council, said once subdivided, the southern parcel will be transferred to the city. The city and watershed council plan to work with neighboring property owner Gallo on a water quality and flood resiliency project.
With no public comment and no changes to the previously approved plan, commissioners waived preliminary review and granted final approval in a 6-0 vote.
Historic deck approved without privacy fence
Commissioners next considered a historic alteration at 76 Gorham St., where homeowner Jonathan Fite sought approval to build a new deck off the east side of his house.
Fite proposed a mostly ground-level pressure-treated wood deck to replace deteriorating brick and concrete. His original plan included a six-foot privacy fence along one edge, which would have extended more than eight feet from ground level due to the slope of the yard.
Commission members raised concerns about the height and visual impact of the fence within the historic district. After discussion, Fite agreed to eliminate the privacy fence and instead install a traditional turned-spindle railing.
The commission approved the revised plan unanimously, 6-0, with the condition that only a railing be installed and not the privacy fence.
YMCA redevelopment adds exterior signage
The commission also approved signage for the former YMCA property at 32 North Main St., now undergoing redevelopment.
Developer Don Lasher of CAPS Real Estate Development requested permission to install raised metal lettering above the building’s two main entrances. One sign will feature 16-inch letters, the other 15-inch letters.
Lasher said the signage had already been reviewed and approved by the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service as part of the project’s historic tax credit process.
Commissioners approved the signage 6-0.
Lasher told the board the redevelopment project is progressing quickly, with county offices expected to move into the building in early spring and an event space planning its first banquet in June. He said prospective tenants continue to tour the site, including a potential ophthalmology practice for the former gym space.
The meeting adjourned without further action.
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