CAZENOVIA — Bob Corby, former Mayor of the Village of Pittsford, NY, will present his perspectives on “Historic Preservation, a Tool for Community Planning and Development” on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Cazenovia Public Library. The event is being hosted by the Cazenovia Heritage organization and is free and open to the public.
In 1993, when Mr. Corby began his first of five terms, Pittsford faced the pressures and challenges common to many upstate rural communities: farmlands succumbing to suburban residential development and sprawl, and economic competition from big box retailers and nearby shopping malls. Rather than giving in to these trends, Pittsford became a model of the proper use of planning and design to reverse these trends.
Mr. Corby brought together energized residents, businesses, and community groups to restore historic properties, revitalize commercial areas and the waterfront, reclaim streets and public places, and to create an appealing, walkable community. He became known for his focus on the physical environment, the design of physical spaces, so that buildings were not just functional but an attractive source of pride for the community.
As a result, both Pittsford and Mr. Corby have received awards over the years for leadership and excellence in urban design; in planning, historic preservation and rehabilitation; and in downtown revitalization. Among these are those from the National League of Cities, the American Institute of Architects, two award winning Comprehensive Plans, and 1st Place in the Main Street Revitalization Program from the NYS Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials.
Mr. Corby received his degree from the School of Architecture of Syracuse University. In his professional career, his practice has been in the fields of architecture, historic preservation, and planning. He served on both the Village and Town Planning Boards before being elected Mayor.
Cazenovia Heritage is a 501-3c organization devoted to the preservation of historic architecture, sites, and objects in the Cazenovia area. For more information, visit cazheritage.org.
