John Shedd, center, finishes his oath of office in Lakewood Monday. Shedd, who was appointed as trustee, will serve until 2025 when his seat will be up for election. In back, congratulating Shedd from left are Lakewood Village Trustee Ben Troche, Mayor Randy Holcomb, Trustee Ellen Barnes, and Trustee Nancy Jones. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

LAKEWOOD – John Shedd wants to do his part in keeping Lakewood a vibrant village.

His background is one of the reasons that Mayor Randy Holcomb appointed Shedd to the board of trustees.

Shedd began his appointment on Sept. 10 after Richard Fischer resigned his position on Aug. 9. Holcomb stated that, at the time, the board was looking to fill the vacancy. Shedd will serve until 2025 when his seat will be up for election.

“He brings a lot to the table,” Holcomb previously said. “It’s positive for the board and the whole village.”

Shedd, an architect, and a republican, works for Chautauqua Institution as the Vice President of Campus Planning and Operations. Shedd also has held seats on the village Planning Board, and the Lakewood Community Development Corporation board.

“I’m incredibly excited for our board, employees, and most importantly our residents,” said Trustee Ben Troche. “He has a long history to this area, raising two children in the village. In addition, his expertise from the business world with his pragmatic approach will be an asset when making decisions and overseeing the multiple departments, and projects Lakewood has to offer.”

Shedd has lived in the village for 32 years and has been active in community development work. He brings to the board architectural knowledge as well as urban planning skills.

As a trustee, Shedd knows he has to balance the wishes and wants of the community with the best interest of the longevity of the village of Lakewood.

“We have to preserve what we have,” Shedd said. “The neighborhood structure is very valuable – that’s our brand. People love the village of Lakewood.”

Shedd said the village has many business opportunities on Chautauqua Avenue and on Fairmount Avenue, but has to be careful about any future developments.

The developments have to be responsible in design, and aesthetically pleasing at the same time.

In the event Shedd was not appointed, the village would have conducted business as a three-trustee board and mayor, until the next election.

For more information on the village, visit lakewoodny.com.