Bulgarian Woman Charged For Role In Multi-Billion-Dollar Cryptocurrency Pyramid Scheme “OneCoin” And Extradited From Bulgaria To The United States

 

Dilkinska was Head of Legal and Compliance for Fraudulent Cryptocurrency Marketed and Sold to Millions of Victims Around the World, Resulting in Billions of Dollars in Losses

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office (“IRS-CI”), announced today the unsealing of charges against IRINA DILKINSKA in connection with her participation in the massive OneCoin fraud scheme.  OneCoin, which began operations in 2014 and was based in Sofia, Bulgaria, marketed and sold a fraudulent cryptocurrency by the same name through a global multi-level-marketing (“MLM”) network.  As a result of misrepresentations made about OneCoin, victims invested over $4 billion worldwide in the fraudulent cryptocurrency.  DILKINSKA was extradited from Bulgaria yesterday and will be presented before United States Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn later today.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Irina Dilkinska, the supposed Head of Legal and Compliance for the OneCoin cryptocurrency pyramid scheme, accomplished the exact opposite of her job title and allegedly enabled OneCoin to launder millions of dollars of illegal proceeds through shell companies.  Dilkinska helped perpetuate a wide-ranging scheme with millions of victims and billions of dollars in losses, and she will now face justice for her alleged crimes.”

FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged in the charges unsealed today, Dilkinska helped her co-conspirator, Mark Scott, launder approximately $400 million in OneCoin proceeds while she was purportedly OneCoin’s Head of Legal and Compliance.  Further, when she learned of Scott’s arrest, she destroyed incriminating documents and sent another co-conspirator incriminating messages.  As the actions announced today should demonstrate, the FBI will continue its determination to bring alleged fraudsters like Dilkinska to justice.”

IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso said: “The charges against Irina Dilkinska are the outcome of the exceptional investigative work of our federal and international law enforcement partners.  Those who commit fraud are put on notice today that IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to holding them accountable no matter where they are located.”

According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment and other filings and statements made in court:[1]

In 2014, RUJA IGNATOVA, a/k/a “the Cryptoqueen,” and KARL SEBASTIAN GREENWOOD co-founded OneCoin,[2] a company based in Sofia, Bulgaria, that marketed a purported cryptocurrency by the same name, which was in fact a fraudulent pyramid scheme.  OneCoin operated as a MLM network through which members received commissions for recruiting others to purchase cryptocurrency packages.  This MLM structure influenced rapid growth of the OneCoin member network.  Indeed, according to OneCoin’s promotional materials, over three million people invested in fraudulent cryptocurrency packages.  OneCoin records show that, between the fourth quarter of 2014 and the fourth quarter of 2016 alone, OneCoin generated €4.037 billion in sales revenue and earned “profits” of €2.735 billion.

DILKINSKA was the purported Head of Legal and Compliance for OneCoin, but rather than ensuring that OneCoin complied with the law, DILKINKSA assisted in the creation and management of shell companies in order to launder OneCoin proceeds and to hold property belonging to IGNATOVA.  For example, in 2016 and 2017, DILKINSKA helped co-conspirator MARK SCOTT, a former equity partner at a prominent international law firm, launder approximately $400 million in OneCoin proceeds through a series of fake Cayman Islands investment funds operated by SCOTT.  Among other things, DILKINSKA used a company named B&N Consult EEOD, which was falsely described as offering “proprietary consulting services, support and software solutions” to its clients and as generating €200 million in 2015 through 2016, to disguise the transfer of millions of dollars as purported “investments” into SCOTT’s funds.  In reality, B&N was a shell company that did not generate legitimate income and was used by DILKINSKA to launder OneCoin proceeds.  In or around September 2018, DILKINSKA learned of SCOTT’s arrest in connection with his laundering of OneCoin proceeds.  Shortly thereafter, DILKINSKA burned incriminating documents, sent co-conspirator KONSTANTIN IGNATOV a text message with a link to a newspaper article about the arrest, and then wrote a series of texts, including, “See this!!!!!”; “Something is going on!!!!!”; and “If this is true I need the mega lawyers for whom [co-conspirator FRANK SCHNEIDER] was talking!!!”

On October 12, 2017, IGNATOVA was charged with OneCoin-related fraud and money laundering charges in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and a federal warrant was issued for her arrest.  On October 25, 2017, IGNATOVA traveled on a commercial flight from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Athens, Greece, and has not been seen publicly since.  IGNATOVA was added to the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted List in June 2022.  The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to IGNATOVA’s arrest.

DILKINKSA, 41, of Sofia, Bulgaria, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the IRS-CI and the FBI, which jointly conducted this investigation with Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Mr. Williams also thanked the United States Marshals Service, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and Bulgarian authorities.

If you have any information about IGNATOVA’s whereabouts, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.  Tips can be reported anonymously and can also be reported online at tips.fbi.gov.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

[2] OneCoin has operated using several corporate entities and d/b/a names, including “OneCoin Ltd.,” “OnePayments Ltd.,” “OneNetwork Services Ltd.,” “OneAcademy,” and “OneLife.”  These entities and d/b/a names are referred to collectively here as “OneCoin.”

MAYOR ADAMS, NYC PARKS COMMISSIONER DONOGHUE, NYC DDC COMMISSIONER FOLEY ANNOUNCE $55 MILLION IN FUNDING TO BUILD NEW INDOOR POOL AND RENOVATE EXISTING POOL IN ROY WILKINS PARK

 

Part of $147 Million Investment in Southeast Queens Swimming Pools and Recreation Center

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue, and New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley today announced $55 million in additional funding for the creation of a brand new indoor pool and repairs to the existing indoor pool in Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans, Queens. This investment builds on $92 million previously announced in December 2021 to build a brand new recreation center in the park. The planned pool will be competition sized and allow the city to offer more New Yorkers swimming classes and programming.

 

“Our city’s public pools and recreation centers offer New Yorkers of all ages, but especially our young people and our seniors, a place to grow, learn, and build community,” said Mayor Adams. “This $55 million additional investment to build a new, competition-sized pool and repair the existing pool in Roy Wilkins Park means more residents of Southeast Queens will have access to swim classes and critical programming, as well as another outdoor space to enjoy their summers. We’ll continue to invest in public space and infrastructure that brings swimming, recreation, and lifelong fitness to the front door of every New Yorker.”

 

“Our pools are watering holes where communities gather to take refuge from the summer heat. This administration recognizes the importance of these pools and it’s our responsibility to make sure that they’re high quality, safe, and accessible,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Thousands of New Yorkers will be able to take advantage of this great investment in our beloved Roy Wilkins Park. Thank you to NYC Parks for advocating for quality swimming opportunities all across our city.”

 

“New York is a city of water, and beyond being an excellent source of recreation, swimming is a vital and life-saving skill,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Donoghue. “This new $55 million commitment from the Adams administration for a new pool and renovations to the existing pool in Roy Wilkins Park represents a major step towards increasing swim equity in Southeast Queens, and we look forward to expanding our swim programming for the community at this new upcoming facility.”

 

“Every neighborhood deserves access to affordable recreation opportunities that improve physical and mental health,” said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley. “We are very pleased to expand the plan for the new Roy Wilkins Recreation Center and to include it in our design-build pilot program, which will reduce the project timeline by at least two full years compared to lowest bidder contracting.”

 

As part of this additional $55 million in funding, $40 million will go towards the creation of a new pool that will be completed by DDC, with $15 million going towards repairs to the existing pool, which will be completed by NYC Parks. Design for the new pool will begin in 2024, and will be built as part of the new recreation center in Roy Wilkins Park.

 

The new recreation center will be located on Merrick Boulevard between 116th Avenue and Baisley Boulevard. It’s envisioned to be approximately 35,000 square feet with spaces for a gym and numerous fitness and multipurpose rooms. Construction of the new center will be led by DDC using the design-build method.

 

“Roy Wilkins Park is an historic, essential space where residents of every age in Southeast Queens can meet, play, exercise, and access programming,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “These are needed community amenities that will benefit generations to come, and allow even more residents to access pools and learn to swim. I'm proud to see community spaces in Southeast Queens be a priority for funding and investments, and I thank the administration for their work to make this a reality.”

 

Currently, there are two other NYC Parks-operated indoor pools in Queens, including the existing pool in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center, as well as the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatics Center. Outdoor pools include Fisher Pool, Fort Totten Pool, Astoria Pool, Liberty Pool, Marie Curie Park Pool, PS 186 Playground Pool, and Windmuller Pool.

 

NYC Parks is one of the largest providers of free swim classes in the city and, in a typical year, NYC Parks reaches more than 53,000 New Yorkers, including 34,000 children, through aquatics programming. NYC Parks’ free, year-round aquatics programming allows New Yorkers to make swimming a lifetime recreation and fitness habit.

 

Emergency Executive Order 363 March 21, 2023

 

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted New York City and its economy, and is addressed effectively only by joint action of the City, State, and Federal governments; and 

WHEREAS, the state of emergency to address the threat and impacts of COVID-19 in the City of New York first declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 98, dated March 12, 2020, and extended most recently by Emergency Executive Order No. 339, dated February 19, 2023, remains in effect; and

WHEREAS, this Order is given because of the propensity of the virus to spread person-to-person, and also because the actions taken to prevent such spread have led to property loss and damage; and

WHEREAS, additional reasons for requiring the measures continued in this Order are set forth in Emergency Executive Order No. 331, dated February 9, 2023;

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the laws of the State of New York and the City of New York, including but not limited to the New York Executive Law, the New York City Charter and the Administrative Code of the City of New York, and the common law authority to protect the public in the event of an emergency:

Section 1. I hereby direct that the State of Emergency declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 98, dated March 12, 2020, and extended by subsequent orders, is extended for thirty (30) days.

• 2. I hereby order that section 1 of Emergency Executive Order No. 359, dated March 16, 2023, is extended for five (5) days.
• 3. I hereby direct the Fire and Police Departments, the Department of Buildings, the Sheriff, and other agencies as needed, to enforce the directives set forth in this Order in accordance with their lawful authorities, including Administrative Code sections 15-227(a), 28-105.10.1, and 28-201.1, and section 107.6 of the Fire Code. Violations of the directives set forth in this Order may be issued as if they were violations under Health Code sections 3.07 and 3.11, and enforced by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or any other agency.
• 4. This Emergency Executive Order shall take effect immediately. The State of Emergency shall remain in effect for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. Additional declarations to extend the State of Emergency for additional periods not to exceed thirty (30) days shall be issued if needed.

Eric Adams

Mayor

Comptroller Lander, Islamic Relief USA, and Hunger Relief Organizations Host “Iftar On The Go” Meal Distributions Throughout Ramadan

 

7,500 free halal meals will be available at grab-to-go sites across the five boroughs 

The Office of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander announces a series of halal meal distribution events in partnership with Islamic Relief USA, community-based organizations, elected officials, and hunger relief organizations to distribute 7,500 free iftar meals to families in need at grab-and-go sites in every borough. The “Iftar On The Go” events will begin March 24th and continue through April 19th, on a first-come-first-serve basis.

“Families should not have to worry where their next meal is coming from. Ensuring Muslim New Yorkers have access to culturally appropriate food this Ramadan is crucial for addressing food insecurity. I commend the hard work that Islamic Relief USA puts in every Ramadan to support families, and the many leaders and elected officials who worked with my office to secure thousands of free iftar meals for families across the City,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. 

Food insecurity is a major challenge facing low-income and working-class New Yorkers today, as the city experiences rising inflation and the expiration of pandemic relief benefits, like the expansion of food stamps. Approximately 10% of New York households across New York state are food insecure. In New York City, the poverty rate was 18% in 2021, compared to 12.8% nationwide, inflation continues to rise, and the City is reporting delays in processing food stamp applications. However, policy interventions, like the expansion of SNAP and the Child Tax Credit, during the pandemic helped reduce food insecurity by 4%, despite widespread unemployment and wage loss.

“Ramadan is an opportunity for Muslims around the world to strengthen their connection to their creator and their empathy toward others. Islamic Relief USA is honored to join the New York City Comptroller Brad Lander’s Office again this year to help meet the growing needs of the community during a time of significant economic hardship. As we witness inflation continue to rise, reduction in SNAP benefits, and a failure to increase the federal minimum wage in over 10 years, it is imperative that we take bold steps to ensure our neighbors are able to maintain a dignified quality of life,” said Sharif Aly, Chief Executive Officer at Islamic Relief USA.

“At MALIKAH we know that food security is necessary for the safety and wellness of women and girls in our community. In fact, lack of food insecurity doubles the risk of gender violence facing women and girls. For Muslims observing Ramadan, this month-long fast can be incredibly challenging in the face of food insecurity facing so many working class immigrant New Yorkers. In the spirit and value of what the month of Ramadan teaches us we are committed to ensuring that everyone in our Astoria community has access to nutritious food. We are delighted to be partnering with the NYC Comptroller Brad Lander’s Office and Islamic Relief USA to distribute 1200 meals to our neighbors right here in Queens throughout the month of March and April,” said Rana Abdelhamid, Executive Director of MALIKAH.

“As the food insecurity challenges grow for the local community, the Muslim American Society of NY is proud to partner with Islamic Relief and the NYC Comptroller Brad Lander to support struggling families during the blessed month of Ramadan through the hot meals distribution program! The Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) stated; ‘He is not a believer whose stomach is full while his neighbor goes hungry.’ With our collective efforts, these families will continue to receive the support they need during these challenging times,” said Taher Abdelhadi, Executive Director of Muslim American Society – New York.

“We are truly grateful for our partnership with the NYC Comptroller Brad Lander’s office, and Islamic Relief USA, to be providing Iftar-on-the-Go meals to our community this Ramadan. As an organization that tries to meet the food insecurity needs of Muslim New Yorkers, this program is vital to ensuring that our community members receive the support they need while observing their religious tradition. This shows how inclusive our city is of celebrating our diverse religious traditions,” said Aniqa Nawabi, Executive Director of Muslim Community Network.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, food insecurity still remains a significant issue for many in our community. At Sapna NYC, we are committed to working to make sure that families have food on the table and to fight for policies that make food justice a reality. We are grateful to partner with Islamic Relief USA and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander for the second year, bringing halal iftar meals to our Bronx community for the month of Ramadan. This work is not only an integral part of Sapna’s mission, but also reflects the spirit of Ramadan and Islam to always care for our brothers and sisters, to lift up those in need, and to share the blessings we have been given,” said Diya Basu-Sen, Executive Director of Sapna NYC, Inc.

‘Iftar on the Go’ halal meal distribution locations and dates are available below:

Bronx

Partners: Islamic Relief USA and Sapna NYC, Inc.

Location: Sapna NYC, Inc., 2348 Waterbury Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462

Dates:

• Friday, March 24 at 2:00 PM
• Friday, March 31 at 2:00 PM
• Friday, April 7 at 2:00 PM
• Friday, April 14 at 2:00 PM

Manhattan

Partners: Islamic Relief USA and Muslim Community Network

Location: 96th Street Mosque, 1711 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10029 (Entrance is on 97th Street side)

Dates:

• Monday, March 27 at 6:00 PM
• Monday, April 3 at 6:00 PM
• Monday, April 10 at 6:00 PM
• Monday, April 17 at 6:00 PM

Queens

Partners: Islamic Relief USA, Malikah, and Astoria Halal Fridge

Location: Malikah, 25-15 Steinway Street, Queens, NY 11103

Dates:

• Monday, March 27 at 6:30 PM
• Monday, April 3 at 6:30 PM
• Monday, April 10 at 6:30 PM
• Monday, April 17 at 6:30 PM
• Wednesday, March 29 at 6:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 5 at 6:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30PM

Brooklyn

Partners: Islamic Relief USA and Muslim American Society New York

Location: Muslim American Society Youth Center, 1933 Bath Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11214

Dates:

• Sunday, March 26 at 6:00 PM
• Sunday, April 2 at 6:00 PM
• Sunday, April 9 at 6:00 PM
• Sunday, April 16 at 6:00 PM

Staten Island

Partners: Islamic Relief USA, A Chance in Life, and Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, Inc.

Location: A Chance In Life / The Village, 1100 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310

Dates:

• Wednesday, March 29 at 4:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 5 at 4:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 12 at 4:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 19 at 4:30PM

CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Alerts New Yorkers of Poisonous Home Hazards During Poison Prevention Week

 

National Poison Prevention Week Runs Through March 25 and Raises Awareness to Help Prevent Poisonings

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics

Secretary Robert J. Rodriguez: “This National Poison Prevention Week, I encourage all New Yorkers to follow our tips and take the time to review any potential dangers in their homes to help keep loved ones, especially children, safe.”

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips” during National Poison Prevention Week, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is reminding New Yorkers of prevention measures to reduce the risk of poisoning. Established in 1961, National Poison Prevention Week originated to raise awareness of poison prevention and safety. According to the Center for Disease Control, poisoning is a significant problem in the United States and is the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths, surpassing motor vehicle crashes. Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

“Many household items can become hazards if handled or stored improperly, and it’s critical for New Yorkers to put prevention measures in place to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “This National Poison Prevention Week, I encourage all New Yorkers to follow our tips and take the time to review any potential dangers in their homes to help keep loved ones, especially children, safe.”

"During poison awareness week, it’s important to get the word out to ensure that children cannot access any poisons, including medicines, cosmetics, household cleaners and chemicals, plants, and other dangerous items," Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "If a suspected poisoning has occurred, call the poison control center immediately and have the following information ready: the age and weight of the person, the product container that caused the poisoning, and the time that the poisoning occurred.”

Accidental poisonings can happen to both children and adults, and this week is a good reminder to review potential hazards in your home and secure poisonous substances to avoid unnecessary illness or tragedy. Everyday household items, such as cleaning supplies, cosmetic/personal care products, medications or faulty carbon monoxide detectors, can pose serious harm if not properly stored or maintained.

Poisoning Prevention Tips:

• Educate yourself about the risk. Read the labels of household items to understand the risk of exposure. Teach children to stay away from personal care and household products and use appropriate language—for example, never refer to medicines as candy, as that can be confusing to children.
• Keep poisons out of reach of children. Young children (under six) are at high risk of exposure. According to the National Poison Data System, cosmetics, personal care products, cleaning products and medicine lead the list of the most common substances implicated in pediatric exposures. Lock these items behind childproof locks or keep them out of reach and out of sight to prevent accidental exposure. Below are examples of some poisonous items to keep away from children, as some resemble candy, juice or other edible products:
• Laundry pods, often resemble candy.
• Colored cleaning fluids that look like juice. Always store household cleaners in their original containers and not in food containers or other bottles, where it may be difficult to distinguish what is in the container.
• All gummy medications, vitamins or gummies with CBD or THC.
• All items containing alcohol (mouthwash, perfumes, hand sanitizers, food extracts, etc.).
• Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Exposure to carbon monoxide results in thousands of emergency room visits every year. Consumers should make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed on every level of the home and outside of sleeping areas, and that alarms are tested monthly.
• Clean your home safely. Reduce the risk of inhaling poisonous fumes from household cleaners. Open windows or turn on fans while using cleaning products. Never mix chemicals or household cleaners to prevent creating noxious gases. Spray products away from people and pets and keep products away from the skin using gloves.
• Reduce poison risks outside the home. Pesticides can be dangerous even in small quantities, as they can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. If using pesticides such as bug spray, wear long sleeves, gloves or other protective clothing. Stay away from areas that have been sprayed with pesticides until the spray has dried for at least one hour. If your skin makes contact with pesticides, make sure to rinse the area with running water for 15-20 minutes. Remove and wash clothing after using chemicals.

Additional resources are offered through the American Association of Poison Control Centers page. The NYS Department of Health also offers resources through New York’s two poison control centers:

The Upstate New York Poison Control Center:

Location	Upstate Medical University The Upstate New York Poison Center 750 East Adams Street Syracuse, New York 13210
Counties Served	All counties in New York excluding New York City, Long Island and Westchester.
Telephone Numbers	Emergency TOLL-FREE: 1-800-222-1222 TTY: (315) 464-5424
Website Address	upstate.edu/poison

New York City Regional Poison Control Center:

Location	New York City Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene 455 First Avenue, Room 123 New York, New York 10016
Counties Served	Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester.
Telephone Numbers	Emergency TOLL-FREE: 1-800-222-1222 TTY: (212) 689-9014
Website Address	https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/poison-control.page

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

For more consumer protection information, call the Division of Consumer Protection Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or visit the DCP website at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

Permits Filed For 2117 Bathgate Avenue In Tremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 2117 Bathgate Avenue in Tremont, The Bronx. Located between East 180th Street and East 181st Street, the lot is closest to the 182-183 Streets subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Vate Pepushaj under the 2117 Bathgate Avenue LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 50-foot-tall development will yield 7,348 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 12 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 612 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

Jakov Saric of Node Archtecture Engineering Consulting PC is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Wave Hill Events April 6-April 13

 

What a wonderful time of the year—springtime at Wave Hill! Plan a visit and you’ll find a wealth of events to explore. This week, join us for Spring Birding and observe birds and their behaviors during spring migration. 

Curious to know how art and gardens come to life? Join gardener Sandra Schaller and artist Rebecca Allan on a special two-part Behind the Scenes Tour of the Alpine House and current art exhibition, Cultivating Eden. You'll get a unique look into the creative processes of both an artist and a gardener.

At the Family Art Project, spend some creative time with the family and create art inspired by the colors of the rainbow. You’ll get to go home with a one-of-a-kind artwork! 

 

Family Art Project: Rainbow Passage  

Sat, April 8, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Sun, April 9, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Meet at Wave Hill House 

Explore the colors of the rainbow! We'll use transparent materials to create bright window hangings that will unveil the incredible world of light.   

Registration not required. 

The program takes place indoors in the Kerlin Learning Center located on the lower level of Wave Hill House. Please note the following important COVID-related information to ensure everyone’s safety: 

• Approximately nine families will be able to participate at a time, based on the time each family arrives. 

• If capacity is full when you arrive, we will provide a “come back” card so you will have first entry for the next session. 

• Each family will receive its own set of materials and cleaning will happen in between seating participants. 

• Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear a mask inside. 

Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator. 

 

Spring Birding 

Sun, April 9, 2023, 9:30–11AM 

$15; including admission to the grounds 

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center  

Welcome migratory birds back to Wave Hill this spring! Explore the gardens and woodlands with birders Paul Keim, Kellye Rosenheim or Gabriel Willow to look for resident and rare birds as they pass through on their journey north or settle down for the season. Severe weather cancels. A limited number of binoculars, monoculars and walking sticks are available to borrow at the Perkins Visitor Center. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. 

 

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.  

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

 

One walk follows a route through woodland trails and mixed-material pathways with varying elevations; the other follows more accessible paved areas within the more central parts of the garden. 

 

Public Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, April 9, 2023, 2–2:45PM                         

Free with admission to the grounds 

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center                                                                                                                                    

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide-- — come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign-up for Private Garden Tours. 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

Garden Highlights Walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.   

Behind the Scenes Tour: Alpine House and Art Exhibition with Gardener Sandra Schaller and Artist Rebecca Allan 

Thu, April 13, 2023, 1–2:30PM 

$25, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center

Rebecca Allan’s current exhibition, Cultivating Eden, explores Wave Hill as a site where art and horticulture are intertwined. Join Allan and Gardener Sandra Schaller for a special two-part tour that allows participants to get a glimpse of the creative practices of both the artist and the gardener. In the first half of the program, go behind the scenes of the Alpine House, which is typically only accessed from a frontal view, to see the diminutive plants up close and observe Schaller’s workspace and process. In the second part, go on an artist-led walk-through of the exhibition and hear from Allan about how her visits to Wave Hill inspired her to create a series of paintings that reference the labors of the gardeners and their spaces. 

 

Advance registration encouraged, online or at 718.549.3200 x251. Program size is limited. Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed. 

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

 

Program size is extremely limited. The route to the Alpine House follows a mixed-material pathway with varying elevations, and the Alpine House itself is not wheelchair-accessible. The ground floor and lower level of Wave Hill House are wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by an elevator. 

 

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.

Kingsbridge Armory Public Workshop #3

 

Saturday March 18th was the third of four Public Workshops to determine what the Kingsbridge Armory would look like. It was a moment of Deja vu for me however having been at this point with the shops at the Armory in 2008 proposed by then Mayor Michael Bloomberg. That proposed use of the Kingsbridge Armory would be shot down by new Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. who reopened the process finally to come up with the Kingsbridge National Ice Center at the Kingsbridge Armory in 2013. 

Unfortunately after eight years of waiting with only less than one-half of the funding needed, and feuding partners, the KNIC proposal was killed by former Mayor Bill de Blasio before he left office. Thus a once empty Kingsbridge Armory was thrust upon all but one of its original elected officials who was redistricted to the street East of the armory. A new Mayor, Bronx Borough President, Congressman, State Senator, Assemblyman, and Councilwoman have started from square one to decide what will be going into a thirty year vacant Kingsbridge Armory. Only State Senator Gustavo Rivera remained who was able to secure one-hundred million dollars in state funding for the armory remained, and he said "This is not going to be a simple process, it is going to be difficult.  

This time there were union members mostly in the two rooms at Lehman College rather than residents who lived in the area in the audience. The same chant was heard this time that was heard other times, 'Whose Armory, Our Armory'. Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez along with Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero, State Senator Robert Jackson, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and Dave Greg of the NYCEDC spoke to the crowd first then went into the overflow room to repeat what they said in room one. 

A large drawing of the Kingsbridge Armory was on the wall for all to see the different levels.

Before the workshop began State Senator Gustavo Rivera speaks to one union representative.

Deputy Borough President Peguero speaks as one of the Deputy Directors of the NYCEDC stands near her.

The elected officials would go into the overflow room to talk to the people there as State Senator Robert Jackson is speaking that there is only one-hundred Million dollars of the 1.5 Billion dollars needed now.

Michael Piccirillo of the Carpenters Union speaks to the crowd of union members at the Armory Workshop asking what boroughs the union members were from.

Various union members from all five boroughs made up most of the audience at the Kingsbridge Armory Workshop in Lehman College.