Canandaigua Environmental and Ordinance Committees Advance Local Initiatives
Pickleball Fundraiser for Local Youth Moves Forward
Water Treatment Plant Skylight Replacement Funded
Virtual Museum Exhibit Planned at Kershaw Park
Dumpster Encroachment Agreement Advances
Ongoing Discussion: Prior Written Notice Law
Next Steps
Canandaigua’s Environmental and Ordinance Committees Advance Local Initiatives
Canandaigua, NY — The City of Canandaigua’s Environmental and Ordinance Committees convened Monday evening, making significant strides on several community-focused initiatives, including a pickleball tournament, a virtual museum installation at Kershaw Park, and essential upgrades to the city’s water treatment facility.
Pickleball Fundraiser for Local Youth Moves Forward
In a heartwarming move, committee members granted conditional approval for the inaugural Dyls Pickleball Tournament, set to take place on either July 20 or August 3 at Sonnenberg Park. This event aims to raise funds for the Dylan Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund, honoring a beloved Canandaigua Academy graduate who lost his battle with cancer.
Julia Ippolito, who presented the application, shared that the tournament will feature 32 teams competing in a double-elimination format, alongside food trucks, raffle prizes, and activities for children. Organizers anticipate an attendance of 150 to 200 people.
However, concerns regarding traffic, noise, and generator use were raised by residents and council members. In response, the council voted to forward the application to the full City Council with stipulations, including:
- No on-street parking near the venue, with designated parking at Canandaigua Middle School.
- Volunteers to assist with traffic management and signage.
- No amplified music or diesel generators from food trucks.
- The event must conclude by 6 p.m.
Chair Erich Dittmar emphasized the event’s local significance, stating, “We definitely don’t want to invite outside tournaments. This is a way to honor a community member.”
Water Treatment Plant Skylight Replacement Funded
The council also approved a $78,000 contract with Aventus for the replacement of aging skylights at the city’s Water Treatment Plant on West Avenue. The new equipment hatches will ensure continued rooftop access for large machinery while preventing leaks that could damage vital infrastructure.
City Manager John Goodwin noted that the upgrade was already budgeted in the city’s 2025 capital plan, highlighting its importance for maintaining the facility’s integrity.
Virtual Museum Exhibit Planned at Kershaw Park
In a bid to enhance local culture, the committee greenlit the installation of a new sign at Kershaw Park as part of the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum project. This collaborative effort involves Ontario County, the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection, and the Rochester Institute of Technology.
The interactive exhibit will showcase the evolution of the Canandaigua Lakefront, from Native American heritage to the steamboat era and the development of public parks in the 20th century. A QR code on the sign will lead visitors to an augmented reality experience on their mobile devices. Careful placement of the sign will ensure it does not detract from an existing Native American monument at the park.
Dumpster Encroachment Agreement Advances
The Ordinance Committee also advanced an agreement with the owners of West Avenue Plaza regarding a minor 1.5-foot encroachment of their dumpster enclosure onto city-owned land at 50 Greig Terrace. Originally framed as an encroachment license, the request may be converted into an easement to resolve long-term title concerns. Council members noted that the encroachment was minimal and did not interfere with a nearby pedestrian trail.
Ongoing Discussion: Prior Written Notice Law
The committee continued discussions on adopting a local law that would define acceptable forms of written notice for defects or hazards in public infrastructure. This follows a recent court ruling in Albany concerning digital complaint platforms. While some council members advocated for improved public awareness and access to reporting mechanisms, no formal vote was taken, and discussions will continue.
Next Steps
Each of these initiatives will be reviewed again at the full City Council meeting scheduled for later this month, where final approvals may be granted.
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