Carbon County is looking for rental space to hold court proceedings when an elevator project gets underway later this year.

Last week, the board of commissioners approved two appraisals for properties in Jim Thorpe and Lehighton.

Both appraisals are with Person Agency of Lehighton and cost $650 each.

The first action was for an appraisal at a property at 530 Coal St., Lehighton.

The commissioners said this space, if appropriate, would be used to temporarily relocate Judge Joseph Matika’s courtroom while the courthouse elevator renovations take place. That project is expected to begin in March.

The second location the county is looking at is 1201 North St., Suite 1, Jim Thorpe, which would be used to house the department of planning and development, which is currently still in the former Jim Thorpe Administration building on Center Avenue.

The department was initially supposed to move into the newly completed 44 Susquehanna St. building, but due to other needs with offices, the county shifted which department would move into the new office.

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said the Jim Thorpe rental on North Street would be used as an interim location until a more permanent site is found.

Lukasevich also noted that discussions with Jim Thorpe borough had taken place about the possibility of the county using Memorial Hall for jury selection and jury trials during the elevator replacement, but nothing has been finalized with the courts, county and borough at this time.