Gloversville Mayor Honored with Prestigious Brownfields Award

Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit Names Vincent DeSantis as 2025 Awardee

On behalf of the Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit committee, Fulton County Center for Regional Growth (CRG) President and CEO Ronald Peters announced that Gloversville Mayor Vincent DeSantis has been honored with the Phil Clappin Brownfields Memorial Award. He was presented with the honor at the summit on April 29th.

This award pays tribute to Philip Clappin, a dedicated consultant, geologist, and retired project officer for the EPA’s Region 2, who passionately advocated for brownfield revitalization and the Mohawk Valley Region throughout his life. Following his passing in 2023, the Brownfields Developer Summit Alliance, the organizing body behind the summit, established this award in his memory. The inaugural recipient of the award in 2024 was John Piseck, CEO of the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency.

“Phil Clappin was not only my friend but also a mentor to many,” shared Peters. “He was always willing to help, no matter how unusual the question, and he had a way of making you feel that your inquiry was important and could lead to meaningful change. Phil himself made a significant difference, and he empowered others to do the same.”

Mayor DeSantis’ recognition extends beyond this memorial award. In 2024, his leadership in the City of Gloversville’s exceptional and impactful brownfield remediation efforts was acknowledged with the Brownfields Catalyst of the Year Award. Furthermore, earlier this month, Gloversville received the New York Planning Federation’s prestigious Heissenbuttel Award, celebrating the city’s outstanding and innovative planning and best practices.

Peters highlighted that under Mayor DeSantis’ guidance since 2019, Gloversville has secured approximately $1.9 million in EPA grants for brownfield identification and remediation. Notably, Gloversville also achieved designation as a Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) under Mayor DeSantis’ leadership. This designation, a program of the New York State Department of State (DOS), supports communities in revitalizing brownfield-impacted areas – properties hindered by actual or potential contamination.

“Mayor DeSantis’ unwavering dedication to brownfield remediation is truly inspiring,” remarked Peters. “His tireless work is not just transforming neglected spaces; it’s breathing new life into Gloversville. Thanks to his vision and commitment, areas once deemed unusable are becoming vibrant and sustainable. The Alliance deeply appreciates his leadership as a champion for positive change and for the tangible impact he’s making on our community.”

The 2025 Summit underscored the increasing significance of the BOA program and the collaborative spirit among regional communities in unlocking the potential of contaminated or blighted properties. The DOS has supported over ten BOAs in the Mohawk Valley, providing crucial funding and technical assistance for community-driven, area-wide plans focused on effectively redeveloping brownfields and other underutilized properties. Notably, the City of Gloversville stands as the sole municipality in Fulton County with a designated BOA.