What's next for proposed Canandaigua housing development

Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
·2 min read

CANANDAIGUA, NY — A decision on a housing proposal for one of the last remaining developable spots in the city of Canandaigua may be coming Feb. 1.

Members of City Council are weighing the rezoning of 30 acres of land between Stewart Place and North Road in the northeast part of the city. The property carries a residential zoning now, but could be rezoned to planned unit development, a type of zoning that gives the developer more leeway in designing the overall project in exchange for certain concessions to the city.

Members of City Council’s planning committee on Jan. 9 voted to bring the rezoning request to the full council, which last year set in motion a lengthy approval process for the proposal, for a vote at its Feb. 1 meeting.

How much housing is proposed for Canandaigua NY?

Chrisantha Construction is proposing to build 132 units as part of the North Road Townhomes project.

The term “affordable” has been mentioned previously, but developer Chris Iverson said the townhomes are “workforce” housing, targeting people such as teachers and others who work in Canandaigua and make between $40,000 and $100,000 but may not be able to afford to live here otherwise.

For now, the hope is the townhomes would go for under $400,000, although Iversen said grants would be pursued and, in seeking the city’s approval, is hopeful that certain requirements that would add to the overall project cost would not be required, thus reducing the cost to buyers.

For example, the developer is proposing garages in front of the homes; the city wants garages behind them. Also, sidewalks are proposed on one side of the street; the city wants them on both sides.

There are other issues, but one overall plus is that several dead-end streets in that neighborhood would be opened when roads are constructed for this project.

Here's what happens next

Canandaigua City Council is weighing in on a development that could lead to 132 new units of housing in the northeast section of the city.
Canandaigua City Council is weighing in on a development that could lead to 132 new units of housing in the northeast section of the city.

According to law, City Council has up to 60 days after a public hearing in order to vote on such a plan. No one from the public spoke at a hearing on this plan in December.

The deadline is Feb. 5, although City Council meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 1.

Council members have options.

They could approve the plan as is. They can approve the plan with conditions, meaning some of their concerns are addressed as part of the project.

And they could deny it, although if they opt for that, the developer can reapply with the same or modified plan. Another option would be to extend the deadline, if the city and developer agree.

“We’ll see where the chips fall on Feb. 1,” Goodwin said.

Mike Murphy, who this year is celebrating his 10th anniversary of covering the city of Canandaigua, also covers the town of Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County. He also writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy. 

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Canandaigua NY housing project proposal goes to City Council