The proposed development of the vacant former Tom's Mobil site in downtown Canandaigua is moving forward.
The Canandaigua City Planning Commission on Oct. 14 approved developer Fred Rainaldi Jr.'s plan for the consolidation of three properties into one, the primary lot being the former gas station site on South Main Street at its intersection with Saltonstall Street.
The approval clears the way for a two-story building that will house Canandaigua Bagel Co., a boutique sandwich shop, fine-dining restaurant and other small retail operations. The plan also includes demolition of the former Beverage Center drive-thru business on Saltonstall Street and a home now owned by the developer behind it.
Canandaigua City Manager John Goodwin this is one of
several new developments in the city and he is hopeful ground will be broken soon.
"It's a very exciting project for the city," Goodwin said.
A similar plan calling for a three-story structure was approved in 2023. The site will offer just over 21,000 square feet of retail space, although the height is reduced.
The city's Zoning Board of Appeals last month granted variances that will enable fewer parking spaces than required and lessens the required distance between the project and nearby homes.
Rainaldi and development team said Wednesday that landscaping and a fence will be added as a buffer.
Rainaldi, who owns Canandaigua Sailboard, is a principal in Rainaldi Brothers Inc., which is behind high-profile projects such as the Culver Road Armory in Rochester and the North Face in Victor.
Years ago, the city took over the former gas station site because taxes had not been paid. The gas station eventually was demolished in 2019, and contamination of the site was cleaned up as part of a deal involving the state and city.
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 approves plan for new restaurants, shops at former gas station site
