In the news ...

This is our first "daily roundup" of Bronx issues in the media.

The state Dormitory Authority is asking the Bronx district attorney to investigate a firm it contracted with to build the Bronx Hall of Justice, which is supposed to open this month on East 161st Street. The problems at the building go beyond the parking garage. According to the Post, inspectors found three weld locations on the canopy above the main entrance were not up to snuff. ...

The Highbridge Horizon (and the New York Times) report that the local branch library is set to close for renovations. When the same thing happened about 7 years ago in Norwood, the community demanded a temporary library location until the renovations were complete. And they got it. ...

And City Limits reports on the push for a Housing Court Bill of Rights.

Koppell: Investigate 'Hall of Justice'

As the New York Times reports, Councilman Oliver Koppell is calling for an investigation of the cost overruns and construction problems at the Bronx Hall of Justice on 161st Street. The gleaming glass structure was supposed to be finished in 2005 and cost $325 million. Two years later, the price tag is $400 million, and the scheduled opening next month is in jeopardy. The main problem appears to be the 200-space parking garage which has been declared unsafe.