The public plaza at the Bronx Hall of Justice has reopened to the community after years of construction and red tape.

The courthouse was built by the state and opened in 2007 but was closed just nine years later after water was found to be leaking into lower areas of the building.

Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson was joined by Department of Design and Construction Deputy Commissioner Tom Foley to celebrate the partial reopening of the public plaza on Monday.

"Even if you were visiting the court for jury duty.. you had nowhere to sit.. nowhere to have your lunch," said Gibson.

DDC took over in a more than $40 million reconstruction to make sure the plaza is safe for the community.

"The numerous calls we received from the councilmember's office asking us when is it gonna be done? Well we're absolutely delighted to have it open today," said Foley.

This is just the first part of the plaza to open. The second half is expected to open in late spring.