When Peter Eberz thinks of East Lansing, he says green and white comes to mind just as often as city landmarks and developments.

"It's a composite of the whole community," he said. "There can't be East Lansing without MSU."

Eberz, 57, retires this week after working more than 23 years as the director of Department of Public Works and Environmental Services in East Lansing.

The city leader is stepping down and handing over the reigns after spending more than two decades revitalizing the city.

Todd Sneathen will take over Eberz's position next week after being the city's assistant director of the department for the past two years.

"When I first came, it was more of a quiet town at times," Eberz said. "To see the changes now, it gives me an overall good feeling."

Eberz is in charge of more than 100 employees within the department and oversees the engineering, sanitation, transportation, water and sewer services.

During his tenure, Eberz oversaw the construction of the multicolored "hamster cage" parking structure on Albert Avenue and Division Street, the Grove Street parking garage, resurfaced or reconstructed almost all major and local streets in the city and helped add more than 1,140 acres of new land to the city through agreements with neighboring townships.

He also introduced the city's first recycling services and implemented use of the Easy Cart automated waste collection system - which is used by more than 3,500 households in East Lansing.

"He made a big difference. He always used a logical thought process to solve problems," said Sneathen. "Pete's been here a long time and he's going to be greatly missed.

"I'm excited (about my new role), but it's going to be a challenge. I have big shoes to fill."

Eberz says he plans on remaining a fixture in the city after he leaves his position.

"I don't think of this as the end of anything," he said.

East Lansing spokeswoman Judith Taran said she was inspired by Eberz's strong work ethic.

"He has one of those jobs in which the quality of work is visible to people," she said. "He has a strong, positive sense of community.

"Everything in East Lansing had Pete's touch, and has stood the test of time."

Taran said Eberz was highly capable of dealing with the public and considering the needs of East Lansing residents.

"He can think outside of the box," she said.