Do you have a transformational project that will create an immediate, positive effect on downtown Canandaigua? The Local Planning Committee is seeking projects that are well-developed and ready to break ground within two years or sooner for consideration for funding through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
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Open Call for Applications Form
Who can submit a project?
DRI funding can be awarded to public, not-for-profit, and private entities to implement a project. Each project must have a single project sponsor that is an entity (not an individual), that has the capacity and legal authority to undertake the project.
What kinds of projects are eligible for DRI funding?
Eligible and ineligible project types are below. To be eligible, projects must also be located within the DRI boundary, though the LPC may choose to make minor adjustments to the boundary.
DRI boundary
Draft Vision & Goals
DRI projects should help advance the vision and goals for the Canandaigua DRI. The draft vision and goals are below. These are being refined based on input from the LPC and general public, and will be finalized before the end of June. The draft vision and goals won’t change significantly – so they should provide sufficient direction for beginning your application.
Draft Vision: Downtown Canandaigua will leverage its historic character and extraordinary location at the tip of Canandaigua Lake to reinforce downtown as a great place to live and visit. Downtown and the lakefront will connect seamlessly via safe, quality walking and biking pathways and compact, mixed-use development along South Main Street. Downtown will be brimming with a diverse mix of local businesses, housing, events, and arts that create a vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors of all backgrounds.
Draft Goals:
- Support the creation of diverse housing options and job opportunities through new development and the adaptive re-use of existing buildings.
- Broaden downtown’s appeal by providing retail, services, events, and other activities for residents and visitors of different ages and interests.
- Promote active modes of transportation by improving connections between downtown, adjacent neighborhoods, and the lakefront.
- Enhance the appearance of downtown through investment in public spaces and upgrades to building facades.
Eligible Project Types
- New development and/or rehabilitation of existing downtown buildings
- Public improvement projects
- Small project funds
- Branding and marking projects
Ineligible Project Types
- Stand-alone planning activities
- Operations and maintenance
- Pre-award costs
- Property acquisition
- Training and other program expenses
Match Requirement & Goal
At the May 6 LPC Meeting, the LPC voted on the following match requirement / goal for projects sponsored by private entities.
- Match requirement of 30% of the total project costs
- Match goal of 40% of total project costs
The LPC will consider a project’s cost effectiveness when evaluating the DRI projects. In other words, a project that meets the match goal of 40% would be evaluated more highly in regards to cost effectiveness compared to a project that only meets the match requirement of 30%.
Projects sponsored by public and not-for-profit entities are not subject to the match requirement or goal.
What is involved in being a project sponsor?
The first step is to submit an application through the Open Call for Projects before the July 11 deadline. Check out the events calendar for upcoming information sessions to learn about the DRI, the overall process, and what makes a strong DRI project application.
Following the submission of your application, you will need to work closely with the DRI team to continue to develop your project. This “project development” phase may include:
- Providing additional materials to support your project (e.g., proof of funding, drawings, business plans, additional information and details, etc.).
- Regular communication with the DRI team to discuss the details of your application (e.g., emails, phone calls, meetings).
- Meeting with the DRI team in person to tour your project site.
- Attending a Local Planning Committee Meeting to present a pitch for your project.
- Answering questions and refining your project based on feedback from the DRI team and the LPC (e.g., refine your project budget based on review by a cost estimator).
Project sponsors must be committed to working closely with the DRI team over the course of the planning process so projects can be properly vetted and evaluated for DRI funding consideration.