March 23–CANANDAIGUA — The long-stalled Canandaigua Finger Lakes Resort project may have some life after all, possibly under the Hilton brand.

Developers Robert Murphy and David Genecco are seeking assistance from the Ontario County Industrial Development Agency for completing the project, which stalled in summer 2015, and in purchasing a nearly 6-acre parcel of land at 205 Lakeshore Drive.

The IDA is considering exemptions from mortgage recording taxes in connection with the financing of the proposed five-story facility, sales and use taxes in connection with the construction and equipping of the facility, and real property taxes.

A public hearing is scheduled before the agency at 5 p.m. Monday.

Mayor Ellen Polimeni said the city needs the jobs this project will provide and people want to see this move forward.

"I think everyone in the community wants to see something happen there," Polimeni said.

Developers are proposing 109 hotel rooms, which may or may not operate under the Hilton brand, along with a restaurant, lounge and wine tasting room. Also, a 12,475-square-foot conference center and meeting space, full-service spa and business center would be constructed.

Forty-four condominiums are proposed for the top two floors of the project, but are not subject to county assistance.

On the outside, the five-story resort would have 310 surface-level parking spaces and two-story garage with 293 parking spaces and other amenities such as pool, dining and lounge. The garage has previously been approved by the City Planning Commission.

Murphy did not immediately return a call for comment.

City Manager John Goodwin said a possible financier of the project is requesting the tax relief in order to get the project done.

The IDA, which had previously granted exemptions for the project, will be making the decision, Goodwin said. City Council does not have a say.

Joe Nacca, a city resident who is generally opposed to the granting of tax breaks on principle, said it seems as if financing has been in place before and breaks given to the developer.

"It seems like the same thing over and over," Nacca said.

Goodwin said he had no information on a construction timetable, if the project proceeds.

Earlier this year, an auction of the property was scheduled, but called off after an agreement apparently was reached with the developers and contractor seeking $3.6 million for work performed on the project.

The contractor, Manning Squires Hennig, which had filed a mechanic's lien in 2015, obtained a judgment of foreclosure and sale in Ontario County Court last year.

"The whole community's patience has been tried," Goodwin said. "We're hopeful this project will continue."

If you go

WHAT: Public hearing on a request for assistance on the Canandaigua Finger Lakes Resort project on Lakeshore Drive

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26

WHERE: Second-floor conference room, Ontario County Office Building, 20 Ontario St., Canandaigua