John Hanosek last night announced his retirement as Lehighton borough manager, a position he has held for the past 16 years.

After a half-hour, closed-door executive session, Hanosek’s letter of resignation was read.

It was a stunning announcement, especially because Hanosek is overseeing several major projects, including the renovations to the Lehighton Municipal Swimming Pool and the potential of having Lehighton erect a hydroelectric generating plant.

Hanosek led the borough into the 21st century in charge of several major projects, including the updating of the electric distribution system, construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and the conversion of a deteriorating school building into a modern office building.