In an effort to ease customer wait times and provide more parking, the Department of Motor Vehicles office in Canandaigua may be on the move, as soon as late 2027 or early 2028.
It won't be moving far.
As part of the Atwater Place project, the plan is to take over 6,000 square feet of first-floor space in the historic Canandaigua Post Office location at 32 N. Main St., just about three miles away and still in the city. The Ontario County District Attorney's office already operates at this former Canandaigua YMCA location.
Why move the Canandaigua DMV?
According to Ontario County Administrator Chris DeBolt, the DMV has outgrown its space at 20 Ontario St.
"We often have members of the public waiting outside to be served," DeBolt said in a text, and parking is also a challenge
for customers.
Between 20 and 30 parking spaces are available at the current DMV site; more than 100, including street parking, would be available at its new location.
"We hope it will relieve some pressure on our parking lot while providing easier, and more available, parking for those utilizing the DMV," DeBolt said.
What will change at Atwater Place in Canandaigua?
A steakhouse was originally proposed for the Post Office space, but Don Lasher, CEO of Capstone Real Estate Development, said he had to "shift gears."
The Canandaigua Planning Commission last week approved a special-use permit for the DMV, although the county will need its site plan approved.
The developer plans to restore the vestibule, and DMV customers would enter via Main Street, between the building's impressive columns. Nine total stations are planned.
For several reasons, the new site will be a bigger draw, said Planning Commissioner William Wright.
"I will not be surprised if the DMV gets more business," Wright said.
DeBolt is hopeful the move can happen in late 2027 or early 2028.
As for the current DMV space, the county will need to address some issues with the building in that area and make some renovations.
"Then it is likely another county office will move into the current DMV location," DeBolt said.
What else is planned for Atwater Place in Canandaigua?
The Planning Commission on Sept. 9 also approved a special-use permit that would allow Retina Associates of Western NY to operate an office in the former YMCA gymnasium.
The Venue on Atwater event space also operates at the site. A tap room for Brooklyn-based Wild East Brewing and Refresh Cafe and Smoothie Bar have been approved to operate there.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Canandaigua DMV eyes new home to solve parking woes
