Mayor Brown Announces New Appointments To Administration

Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced three new appointments to his Administration, including making Acting Public Works, Parks and Streets Commissioner Steven Stepniak the new, permanent Commissioner for the Department.

Mayor Brown also appointed Peter J. Merlo, P.E. as the new City Engineer and Drew Eszak, interim City Planner in the Office of Strategic Planning.

“These are all very experienced and qualified professionals who will serve our city residents well,” said Mayor Brown. “As we continue to move Buffalo forward, it is important that we have top-level staff who will contribute to the positive momentum we are experiencing as more investment and development takes place in the city.”

Mayor Brown appointed Steve Stepniak Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets on August 21, 2007. His previous experience included working as the Senior Engineer for the City of Buffalo Division of Engineering and as Director of Street Cleaning and Snow Removal.

“Since taking over this critically important Department as Acting Commissioner, Steve Stepniak has exhibited excellent organizational and leadership skills,” said Mayor Brown. “Now, as Commissioner, I am confident Steve will continue to lead the Department of Public, Parks and Streets with the same skill and effectiveness.”

In addition to appointing Commissioner Stepniak, Mayor Brown has added Peter J. Merlo, P.E. as the new City Engineer and Drew Eszak, interim City Planner in the Office of Strategic Planning.

Peter Merlo, a licensed New York State professional engineer, was employed at R&D Engineering, P.C. from 1995 through March 2001. He then joined the City of Buffalo’s Division of Water in 2001 as an associate engineer and became principal engineer in 2005, where he served until his appointment by Mayor Brown as City Engineer.

Drew Eszak, former Erie County Commissioner of Environment & Planning, brings extensive experience in urban and regional planning to the Office of Strategic Planning. As interim City Planner, he is expected to focus on both the writing of neighborhood and other plans that are part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the administration of those plans related to zoning and other approvals.  Drew has agreed to join the Administration in an interim capacity for the next 3-4 months while the city conducts a search for a permanent City Planner, a position for which he will also be applying.