Over budget and delayed, the new Bronx courthouse.
Over age, the current (old) courthouse
Safety 1st! Bronx Courthouse Moved Delayed
Hell, no! We won’t go! Some Bronx Supreme Courthouse judges and employees told the Office of Court Administration about Friday’s planned move to a new building. And they didn’t!
The scheduled move into the nine-story, 744,000-square-foot building was delayed until February after several judges and workers raised concerns about the safety of the new building.
“We’re afraid that we’ll get into the new building, turn on the lights and computers at the same time and the damn building will explode,” said a criminal court clerk who requested anonymity.
Office of Court Administration spokesman David Bookstaver said the new courthouse is safe and there is no need to worry.
“Whenever there is something new, it is met with skepticism and reluctance,” Bookstaver said. “Safety is a paramount issue, and we are addressing any and all legitimate concerns that are being brought to the forefront. The safety of judges, employees and the public are a priority.”
Courthouse workers say that’s hogwash. They said there is a laundry list of problems, including a sagging parking lot, a basement that floods and air quality concerns.
One court officer said a number of his colleagues have put in for transfers to the civil division, which will remain in the old building. The glass building, on 161st St., is nearly two years behind schedule and $70 million over budget.
Marc Violette, a spokesman for the state Dormitory Authority, which is overseeing the project, which began in 2001, said the courthouse is basically complete. He said tests are being conducted to make sure everything works.
John McKillop, president of the New York State Supreme Court Officers Association, said he has received “countless calls and complaints from officers” about the safety of the building.
SOURCE: nydailynews.com
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