Council approves parking garage design and construction contracts amid objections about procurement process

Northampton County Council on June 18 approved professional services contracts to replace the deteriorating government center parking garage, wrapping a contentious procurement debate with a 7–2 vote.

The council approved a $463,000 contract with Alloy 5 Architecture for architectural and engineering services and a $492,500 contract with CHA Consulting for construction management. The two votes followed presentations to a county committee and a public summary at the council meeting.

Several council members objected to how the county selected firms. Councilmember Lopredo (as recorded) said he was not satisfied with the procurement process and preferred delaying the decision until the next county executive, arguing the project would not begin for a year or more. “I don’t think we need to rush this,” he said.

Others, including councilmembers who served on the selection committee, said the project is urgent and the existing garage has been deteriorating for years. Councilmember Gaffredo urged moving forward, saying the structure is unsafe and delaying will prolong the county’s liability and inconvenience. “We need to get this garage finished,” a supporter said during the meeting.

Councilmember John Brown said he did not support the resolution because he objected to the process; he also said he opposed the bond issue that financed the work. Several councilmembers said procurement rules and a committee review had produced recommendations but disagreed about whether the administration followed the committee’s preferences.

Despite the objections, the council adopted the contracts by roll call, 7 in favor and 2 opposed. A committee presentation and written materials were submitted to council and, according to the administration, selection followed county procurement rules for architecture and construction management services.

Ending: County staff and committee members said work on the project will proceed under the approved contracts; council critics said they will seek changes to procurement procedures and more local‑labor and project‑labor considerations for future capital projects.