Peterson, who in 2023 became the first Depew mayor to secure a second term since the late 1990s.“So, we’ve had to be smart—reimagining and maximizing every property’s value, both commercial and otherwise.” FROM RAILROAD ROOTS TO MODERN RESILIENCE Founded in 1892 and incorporated in 1894, Depew was named after Chauncey M. Depew, president of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad. Today, its compact footprint crosses two municipalities—Cheektowaga and Lancaster— presenting administrative complexities that could paralyze other communities. But Depew has used those challenges as catalysts for smarter governance. “In 2017, we faced a real moment of reckoning when there was a push to dissolve the village,” recalls Peterson. “But we emerged stronger—more committed to proving what a well-run village government can accomplish.” GREEN INNOVATION MEETS FISCAL DISCIPLINE While 154 communities statewide have been certified under New York’s Climate Smart Communities program, few have blended environmental leadership with financial ingenuity like Depew. The village consistently ranks in the top 10 for completed climate action items in western New York. Mayor Peterson’s first initiative in 2019 was converting all 1,400 streetlights to LED. Since then, Depew is currently installing EV chargers at Fireman’s Park and Village Hall, has certified it’s code enforcement officers in community solar, and built one of Erie County’s first geothermal powered heating and air-conditioned public pavilions—a 15,000-square-foot facility in Fireman’s Park. But perhaps the most inventive project stemmed from a long-standing environmental burden: a 35acre former landfill that the NYS DEC determined needed remediation. Rather than burden taxpayers with a $1.8 million bond to cover that cost, Peterson brokered a partnership with a solar developer. “We sold 15 acres of that site to build a solar array. 41 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 DEPEW, NY
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