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Downtown BID director urges zoning enforcement to preserve ground-floor retail
Summary
Denise Chappell, director of the Downtown Business Improvement District, told the Zoning Board that enforcing ground-floor retail and restaurant uses and supporting active window displays and evening activity are central to sustaining downtown Canandaigua’s recent revival.
Denise Chappell, director of the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), addressed the Zoning Board on May 20 to describe the BID’s role and to urge Planning and Zoning to help maintain downtown vibrancy by enforcing ground‑floor retail and restaurant uses.
Chappell said the BID, governed by an 11‑member board of city representatives, property owners and business owners, works closely with city departments on capital improvements, safety, beautification, recruitment, marketing and events. She told the board vacancy in the downtown footprint dropped from roughly 60–65% to essentially zero last fall and that there is now a waiting list of retailers and restaurants.
Chappell asked Planning and Zoning to prioritize businesses that operate six to seven days a week and into the evening, and to encourage active window displays and lighting to sustain pedestrian activity. She cited recent positive examples, including conversions of office space to retail and an arts-focused redevelopment near City Hall, and credited coordination between the BID and zoning decisions for some successful outcomes.
The board heard the presentation but did not record any formal action or vote related to the BID presentation at this meeting.
