A deeply detailed update on flood mitigation efforts in the Sucker Brook sub-watershed led to impassioned public feedback during a Planning Committee meeting on April 7.
City officials and engineers from Colliers Engineering presented findings from a hydrologic and hydraulic study aimed at addressing severe flooding in the Sucker Brook corridor, including events like the July 9, 2023 storm that dumped over five inches of rain in three hours—equivalent to a 500-year storm in some locations.
“We’re never going to solve flooding completely,” said Kevin Olvany of the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council. “But we can work to reduce the severity and frequency of it.”
The study identified critical bottlenecks at bridges along West Gibson Street, West Avenue, and Chapin Street. These bridges were shown to be under-capacity, particularly during large storm events. The analysis outlined two major categories of proposed mitigation: Expanding bridge capacity and altering stream channels through “floodplain benching,” which would create overflow areas to reduce water levels during storms.
Some mitigation strategies may require land acquisitions or even voluntary property buyouts. City officials repeatedly emphasized the voluntary nature of any such actions, but that did little to ease tensions among residents whose homes lie in the potential floodway.
“What happens if nobody volunteers?” asked Jessica Pizzillo, a resident of West Gibson Street. “Will the city have to take action to improve the rest of the stream?”
City officials said that no eminent domain is currently being pursued and any such move would require a policy-level decision from City Council.
Residents shared personal stories of loss, highlighting the extent of damage from the 2023 flood and expressing frustration over the city’s emergency response and long-term support. Joelle Hibbard of West Avenue said she received no assistance from local emergency services and had to rely on the Gates Fire Department to pump out her basement. “Have a plan,” she told the Council. “Because we didn’t, and it certainly appeared that no one else did either.”
Others questioned the effectiveness of past infrastructure and the town’s role in the watershed. Jim Okerski of Park Avenue raised concerns about upstream development contributing to downstream flooding. City and watershed officials responded that most of the contributing land remains agricultural and that the town of Canandaigua has worked to purchase easements and maintain open land for stormwater management.
A major focus moving forward is securing additional grant funding. Upcoming applications to the state Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of State, due in June, could finance both design and construction of flood control measures.
Some residents expressed doubt over whether those efforts would come in time to prevent future disasters. Ernie Myrani of West Avenue, who has lived along Sucker Brook since 1958, warned that the system is already at a tipping point. “We’re not going to be able to survive the next one,” he said.
In closing, Planning Committee Chair Thomas Lyon acknowledged the overwhelming feedback from residents and affirmed that the process would continue. Colliers is expected to return in May with further alternatives based on the public input.
The city has also invited flood resiliency expert Julie Nucci to present on strategies such as raising home elevations and navigating FEMA grant programs for individual assistance.
Despite the technical depth of the presentation, residents made one thing clear: They want accountability, action, and sustained support from the city, town, county, and state alike.
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