A Vision for Culinary Arts and Community Growth in Canandaigua
Canandaigua, a city nestled along the shores of Canandaigua Lake, is on the brink of a transformative project that promises to blend culinary arts with public park development. This ambitious initiative involves the creation of a regional culinary arts center of excellence and a new city park on open land near Kershaw Park. While the project is expected to be complex, supporters believe it will bring excitement and long-term benefits to the community.
The city’s full council will soon consider a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that marks the beginning of what is anticipated to be a lengthy approval process. The MOU outlines the conditions for the donation of land on Lakeshore Drive, which was previously intended for future phases of the Pinnacle North project. This land will now be designated as parkland, with several key stakeholders involved in the agreement.
Parties to the MOU include the city of Canandaigua, the New York Wine and Culinary Center (New York Kitchen), Ontario County, Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC), the Canandaigua Area Development Corp. (CADC), and the Sands Family Foundation. The CADC, a nonprofit organization, owns the land and includes representatives from the Sands (Constellation Brands), Wegman (Wegmans Food Markets), and Hamlin (Canandaigua National Bank) families.
The Proposed Culinary Arts Center and Park
Currently, the parcel of land closest to the Speedway convenience store is set to house the culinary arts center. This facility will serve multiple purposes, including hosting New York Kitchen, FLCC’s culinary arts and hospitality program, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County. By repurposing this area, the remaining property can be developed into a more extensive park.
According to Rob Brenner, an attorney representing the Sands Family Foundation, the park will offer more than just green space. A smaller parcel on Muar Street could be added to the existing Lagoon Park, while much of the vacant land on Lakeshore Drive would be transformed into a waterfront park designed to attract visitors and enhance the local environment.
The Sands Family Foundation plans to donate a funding amount it deems appropriate for the park project. Once developed, the city will be responsible for its maintenance. Ontario County will own the culinary arts center, with the foundation also contributing to its development. Brenner emphasized the intention to be a good community steward and partner, ensuring the parkland is accessible to the general public.
Positive Community Response
So far, the response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive. Canandaigua Mayor Bob Palumbo described the idea as “very good news,” noting that the property has been vacant for a long time. He praised the vision as “fantastic.”
Councilmembers Erich Dittmar and Doug Merrill also expressed their support during a recent committee meeting. Dittmar highlighted the importance of making progress on the project, stating that the community would be pleased to see movement. He also noted the encouragement of a collaborative process.
Next Steps and Challenges
Despite the enthusiasm, the project remains in the early stages. Much planning and coordination are required to move forward. City Manager John Goodwin acknowledged that there is currently no solid plan beyond some “back-of-the-napkin sketches.” Key steps include determining costs, applying for grants, and working out site plans for both the building and the parkland.
Funding sources such as the State University of New York will be explored for the culinary arts facility. Additionally, the current New York Kitchen facility will need to close, which presents another challenge. Public input and feedback will be essential, though the specifics of when, where, and how this will occur remain to be determined.
Goodwin emphasized that the effort and planning now will lead to a lasting community asset. The center is expected to enhance culinary arts and craft beverage education for FLCC students and the general public. Andrée Mastrosimone, a spokesperson for the CADC, reiterated the commitment to ensuring the project serves both residents and visitors.
As the project moves forward, the focus remains on creating a space that enriches the community and fosters collaboration among all stakeholders. The journey ahead will require dedication, but the potential rewards are significant.
