P-J file photo by Eric Tichy

LAKEWOOD — The Lakewood Village Board has voted to cancel this year’s Fourth of July celebration due to coronavirus concerns. The decision was made during a board meeting last week.

The trustees had previously postponed making any financial decisions on its contract with Zambelli Fireworks, which could be canceled without a penalty if done 45 days out from the event.

“I think we should use every one of those days in this particular situation,” Trustee Doug Schutte said at a prior meeting.

With Independence Day celebrations including crowds, scores of vendors along Chautauqua Avenue and favorite summer activities the board reached its decision in the interest of public health.

“We are not going to have that event this year,” Lakewood Mayor Randy Holcomb said. “It was just something that we felt we had to do for our citizens, and that will be hugely missed.”

New York state is entering the first phase of its reopening plan this week, with Western New York businesses such as nonessential construction being given the green light to return under special precautions. While public health restrictions will likely be loosened in the weeks and months ahead, bans on public gatherings and emphasis on social distancing are likely to remain for some time.

“There is no way we could possibly conduct the 6-foot social distancing. Even if it is lifted by then, it is too close of a time period and we didn’t think it was a good thing for our citizens,” Holcomb said.