Governor Kathy Hochul has announced nearly $14.2 million in state funding for transformational projects in the City of Canandaigua and the Village of Phelps through New York’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs.
Canandaigua, which received a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award, will see 10 projects funded, totaling approximately $9.7 million. State officials said the projects are designed to strengthen downtown housing, public spaces, arts, and pedestrian access while supporting continued economic growth in the Finger Lakes region.
Among the largest Canandaigua projects is a nearly $1.93 million effort to improve Coach Street as a pedestrian-friendly connector between Main Street and Bemis Street. Another $1.31 million project will redesign Phoenix Street to support outdoor dining and walkability.
Additional projects include renovations to several downtown Main Street buildings to create new apartments and mixed-use space, improvements to Central on Main as a community gathering place, preservation work at historic City Hall, and the creation of a small project grant fund to support businesses, housing, façade improvements, and public art.
City of Canandaigua Mayor Thomas Lyon said, “We are incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul and New York State for this transformative funding. These resources allow us to accelerate key projects that enhance our civic spaces and foster economic growth. This partnership is the catalyst we need to ensure our downtown remains vibrant.”
The Village of Phelps, which received a $4.5 million NY Forward award, will use the funding for seven projects focused on downtown improvements, recreation, lodging, and community space enhancements.
The largest Phelps project is a $1.35 million plan to renovate the Phelps Community Center cafeteria into a multi-purpose venue featuring a teaching kitchen, flexible community space, and outdoor plaza.
Another major project includes nearly $1 million to revitalize the historic Phelps Hotel with renovated dining and bar areas, banquet facilities, and a rooftop terrace. State funding will also support improvements at Crooked Bridge Park, downtown streetscape upgrades along Main and Church streets, and a small project grant fund for property and business improvements.
Additional Phelps projects include new event spaces at Smokin’ Tails Distillery and upgrades to commercial and residential space at 114 Main Street.
Village of Phelps Mayor James Cheney said, “On behalf of the Village of Phelps and all the participants in this process, I want to thank New York state for the continued support of our efforts to bring additional energy to our community. The support of small communities through these programs is vital for our stability. Everyone is anxious to get to work on these projects and help transform Phelps and make it an even better, more attractive place for people and businesses to call home. The original announcement on NY Forward has already acted as a catalyst for interest from developers, businesses and people looking for housing. In particular, having these core businesses, such as the Phelps Hotel, Smokin’ Tails Distillery and Melt on Main receive approval for their projects is extremely important for the synergies that will strengthen all of our downtown. And, the small project fund will allow other businesses in downtown to benefit from that strength. Creating more recreational and gathering spaces at Crooked Bridge Park and the Community Center will allow us to attract more visitors and residents alike, which will help our downtown businesses even more. We’re looking forward to the new opportunities that lay ahead for us.”
Governor Hochul said the investments are intended to strengthen downtown communities, support economic development, and improve quality of life across the Finger Lakes region.
