Jim Thorpe Borough has chosen a Lehighton company as its construction manager for two upcoming projects.

Northeast Construction Management Group, headed by Micah Hessinger, will help oversee the borough’s renovation of Memorial Hall and construction of a new public services garage.

“It’s a matter of checks and balances with these projects and being in the business, I know having someone oversee things is the way to go,” Councilman Tom Chapman said prior to council’s unanimous approval last week. “Micah is local and I know they’ll do a good job for us.”

Borough Manager Maureen Sterner said the cost for the construction management services has yet to be determined.

“The scope of services has yet to be worked out and that’s why council approved this conditioned upon the review of the solicitor and council’s building committee,” Sterner said.

Several months ago, council awarded contracts for the two projects totaling $9.69 million.

The Memorial Hall renovation, for which Bognet Construction is the general construction contractor, will encompass HVAC upgrades and a revamped interior layout. One-third of the top floor will be repurposed for borough office staff, while the rest of the space will remain a community center.

Additionally, the police department will find its new home on the bottom floor.

Bracy Construction will be the lead on the new public services garage, which will be located near the borough water plant at 701 West Broadway.

“We feel a construction manager is necessary with projects of this scope and scale,” Council President Greg Strubinger said. “We’re looking forward to getting them started in 2024 as they have both been several years in the making.”