Neighbors press Depew trustees to bar a short‑term rental after repeated late‑night parties

Neighbors of 259 Eane Drive urged the Village of Depew Board of Trustees on June 8 to take action after repeated late‑night parties, property disturbances and one documented police incident tied to the address.

At the meeting multiple neighbors — speaking for their block and identifying addresses — described loud gatherings, underage drinking and an episode that prompted police response on May 23. One resident said guests were unvetted and that people on the street produced badges that they said were from federal agencies; neighbors said the parties have left families fearful for children and called for enforcement of licensing and contracts for short‑term rentals.

"We don't care that he has an Airbnb, but do it the right way," a neighborhood spokesperson told trustees, pressing the board to ensure operators follow licensing and reporting requirements. Neighbors provided photographs and asked code enforcement to inspect the rental and any outbuildings used for storage.

Trustees said they considered both broad approaches (a moratorium or formal short‑term rental licensing) and narrower, targeted remedies. The board described a prior measure used in a similar case that banned a single property from short‑term rentals by resolution on notice to the owner and suggested pursuing that option again as a quicker, case‑specific remedy rather than creating new village‑wide licensing rules that might penalize compliant operators.

Building department staff committed to review permits and to follow up on written complaints; trustees asked neighbors to file a formal complaint with the building department so staff can initiate inspections and enforcement. The board said it will prepare a one‑off resolution for consideration at an upcoming meeting that would bar 259 Eane Drive from short‑term rental activity if the record supports the restriction.

The exchange highlights neighborhood safety concerns and the board’s preference for a targeted enforcement tool in this instance; trustees noted that many short‑term rental operators in the village apparently follow rules and an overly broad moratorium could unduly burden compliant owners.

Provenance: the issue was raised during the public‑comment segment beginning with neighbors at the podium and was discussed by the board as a policy/direction item; the board did not enact a prohibition at the June 8 meeting but directed staff to prepare a resolution for a future meeting.