Permits Filed for 2970 3rd Avenue in Melrose, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a five-story mixed-use building at 2970 3rd Avenue in Melrose, The Bronx. Located at the intersection of East 153rd Street and 3rd Avenue, the corner lot is near the 3rd Avenue-149 Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Shimon Kleinman is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 60-foot-tall development will yield 77,957 square feet, with 59,133 square feet designated for community facility space and 18,824 square feet for commercial space. The building will be used as a school with retail on the ground floor.

De-Jan Lu of DJLU Architect 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.

PacifiCorp Agrees to Pay $575M to Settle Claims for Damage Caused by Six Wildfires in California and Oregon

 

PacifiCorp has agreed to pay $575 million to resolve the United States’ claims for damages resulting from six wildfires in California and Oregon.

The two California fires are:

• The “Slater Fire,” which began on Sept. 8, 2020, on Slater Butte National Forest lands within the Klamath National Forest and burned 157,229 acres of federal land within the Klamath, Six River, and Rogue River Siskiyou National Forests; and
• The “McKinney Fire,” which began on July 29, 2022, on land next to the Klamath National Forest and burned 39,000 acres of federal land.

The four Oregon fires are:

• The “242 Fire,” which began on Sept. 7, 2020, near Chiloquin and burned 8,916 acres of federal land;
• The “Archie Creek Fire,” which began on Sept. 8, 2020, near French Creek in the Umpqua National Forest and burned 67,000 acres of federal land;
• The “Echo Mountain Complex Fire,” which began on Sept. 7, 2020, near Otis, Oregon, and burned approximately 2,500 acres, including federal land; and
• The “South Obenchain Fire,” which began on Sept. 8, 2020, east of Eagle Point and burned 14,780 acres of federal land.

The settlement resolves the United States’ claims that PacifiCorp’s electrical lines negligently started all six fires. The settlement monies will help repay the United States for the substantial costs it incurred fighting the fires, which is critical because the U.S. Forest Service now spends more than half of its budget on wildfire suppression annually. Settlement funds will also be distributed to the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to restore some of the 290,000 acres of public land that were burned.

“The United States and PacifiCorp have reached a settlement that ensures fair compensation to the American taxpayer for fire-related damages,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This agreement strikes a balance by addressing the government’s significant fire-suppression costs and loss of natural resources without preventing PacifiCorp from offering electricity at fair prices.”

“This settlement served the Department’s longstanding policy of holding individuals and corporations responsible for damages caused by wildfires. Every fire impacting federal lands, no matter the size, is a priority,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant of the Eastern District of California.

“Wildfires remain a recurring threat to our natural resources, the safety of our communities, and their economic well-being. The costs of land losses and fire responses are substantial,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Recouping the costs associated with these wildfires is a priority for our office, and this settlement achieves that.”

This settlement is the result of a joint effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for Oregon and the Eastern District of California, the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Amin and Kelli L. Taylor for the Eastern District of California and Alexis Lien for the District of Oregon handled the cases for the U.S. Attorney’s Offices.

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. PacifiCorp continues to deny liability for these fires.

Russian National Pleads Guilty To Making False Statements To The FBI Regarding Her Relationship To Russian Intelligence Service And Naturalization Fraud

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced that NOMMA ZARUBINA, a Russian citizen, pled guilty to making false statements to the FBI relating to her relationship with the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (“FSB”), and to naturalization fraud for lying about her involvement in prostitution-related offenses.  ZARUBINA pled guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11, 2026.  

“While Nomma Zarubina was trying to cultivate relationships with American law enforcement, civil society organizations, and others, she was lying to the FBI about her ties to the Russian Federation,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “This plea demonstrates our commitment to protecting the integrity of the naturalization process and reinforces that those who lie to federal authorities will incur serious consequences.” 

“After years of lies, Nomma Zarubina finally confessed to her repeated denial to FBI special agents of her contacts and relationship with Russian intelligence services, as well as to her failure to disclose her involvement in an interstate prostitution network in an effort to secure U.S. citizenship,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “Zarubina’s intentional concealment of her misconduct and her lies about her affiliation with Russian intelligence were an affront to law enforcement’s national security efforts.  The FBI continues to defend our homeland from those who seek to impede federal investigations and deceive U.S. authorities.”

As alleged in public court filings, statements at public court proceedings, and the charging documents in the case:

The FSB is Russia’s principal security agency and is the successor agency to the Soviet Union’s Committee for State Security, otherwise known as the KGB.  The FSB is believed to engage in, among other things, intelligence gathering and other covert operations abroad, including in the United States.  The FSB and particular FSB officers have been sanctioned in the United States by both the U.S. Department of the Treasury and U.S. Department of State.

ZARUBINA began meeting with the FBI in or around October 2020 in connection with the FBI’s ongoing investigation into Elena Branson, a Russian national who had a close relationship with ZARUBINA and who was later charged in March 2022 for acting as an unregistered foreign agent.  During an April 2021 meeting with the FBI, ZARUBINA told interviewing agents, in substance and in part, that she had recently traveled to Russia but did not have any contact with Russian intelligence services.  Then, in September 2023, ZARUBINA told the FBI, in substance and in part, that she had been interviewed once by the FSB on her way back to Russia from the United States, but that she had not been interviewed by the FSB or Russian intelligence services on any other occasions.

ZARUBINA’s statements to the FBI in 2021 and 2023 about her contacts with Russian intelligence services, specifically the FSB, were false. Indeed, in June and July 2024, ZARUBINA admitted to the FBI that she had previously lied to federal law enforcement officers about her relationship with the FSB, stating, in substance and in part, that: in or around December 2020, while in Russia, ZARUBINA met with an officer whom she understood was from the FSB, agreed to help the FSB with “network marketing,” and was given the FSB code name “Alyssa”; between in or about December 2020 and in or about June 2022, ZARUBINA met with the FSB officer several times and communicated with the FSB officer on numerous occasions using encrypted messaging applications; and the FSB officer instructed ZARUBINA to share contact information of journalists in the United States, to attend the 2021 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, and to look into a particular individual in the United States, which ZARUBINA agreed to do.

In addition, between at least 2018 and 2024, while residing in the United States, ZARUBINA participated in a scheme to transport women between New York and New Jersey to engage in prostitution at a massage parlor business in East Brunswick, New Jersey.  Notwithstanding her involvement in that conduct, in July 2022, ZARUBINA falsely stated in response to a question in her application for naturalization in the United States that she had never “procured anyone for prostitution.”

Finally, after being indicted and while on bail in the instant case, ZARUBINA sought to unlawfully influence a witness by sending numerous unsolicited and harassing messages to one of the FBI agents involved in her case.  ZARUBINA’s obstructive conduct continued for several months, including after being admonished by the Court to stop contacting the agent, and resulted in the revocation of her bail.

ZARUBINA, 35, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of making false statements to the FBI, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of naturalization fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

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

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the Counterintelligence Division of its New York Field Office, and also thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, for its assistance.

This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. 

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul

“Nurses are the backbone of our health care system. I am grateful that NYSNA has overwhelmingly ratified an agreement with New York Presbyterian recognizing the exceptionally difficult work our nurses do day in and out. This will allow them to return to work next week.

“Throughout this process, I have made clear that my top priority is protecting patients and providing continuity of care. With these agreements now ratified and nurses going back to work, I am confident we can continue to build on the progress made under this administration.”

 

Office of the New York State Comptroller - This Week: New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators Caucus Weekend Recap

 

New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators Caucus Weekend Recap

The 55th Annual Legislative Conference, sponsored by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators, was dedicated to empowering and educating diverse communities. Comptroller DiNapoli co-hosted the MWBE Networking Reception with Senator James Sanders and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and honored NYS NAACP President L. Joy Williams and Brooklyn D.A. Eric Gonzalez. Comptroller DiNapoli also stopped at the many booths, workshops, and events throughout the weekend and spoke to numerous groups, that included union members, students and seniors.

Watch Recap

State's Tuition Assistance Program Not Keeping Up With Inflation and Tuition Costs

A new report from Comptroller DiNapoli finds that New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), the state’s primary need-based grant program for college students, has not kept pace with inflation or rising tuition costs since the 2008-09 academic year. Undergraduate TAP recipients dropped by 77,000 (21%), with steep declines among two-year programs (45%), private-sector schools (40%), and lowest-income households (38%).

“TAP has helped generations of New Yorkers attend college, but it’s falling behind the realities of today’s costs,” DiNapoli said. “Updating award criteria so that TAP continues to be a useful support for families is needed to help New York retain talent and ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.”

Learn More

Stronger Oversight Needed for Social Adult Day Care Programs

An audit of the Department of Health's oversight of Social Adult Day Care programs found questionable Medicaid payments, safety risks and compliance problems, according to Comptroller DiNapoli. On Feb. 9, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of two Queens men. They were charged with allegedly defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of $120 million by paying illegal kickbacks and bribes and submitting claims for services that were never provided. DiNapoli’s office had referred its audit findings and worked with law enforcement on the investigation.

Learn More

Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Report on FY 2027 Executive Budget

Comptroller DiNapoli’s report examining the proposed State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 Executive Budget warns that the trajectory of projected state spending is estimated to increase at a rate faster than expected revenues, creating cumulative outyear budget gaps estimated by the Division of Budget to total $27.5 billion through SFY 2030. Actions taken in Washington, including reductions in federal aid, create increased fiscal strains that are likely to affect the state’s economy, finances and safety net.

Learn More

New Banking Development District to Support Community Banking in the Butternut Valley

Comptroller DiNapoli and Acting Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services Kaitlin Asrow announced the approval of the Butternut Valley Banking Development District (BDD) as a participant in the BDD program and deposited $35 million in New York State funds to Sidney Federal Credit Union’s Morris Branch. The BDD program was created to encourage and incentivize qualified banks and credit unions to open or maintain bank branches in underserved areas.

Learn More

Comptroller DiNapoli's Statement on New York City's Fiscal Year 2027 Preliminary Budget

“The $127 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 preliminary budget marks a substantial shift in the city’s approach to budgeting, incorporating chronically underbudgeted expenses and new spending risks. I commend Mayor Mamdani for recognizing the fiscal risks ahead and I urge caution in tracking revenue and making swift adjustments if needed.”

Read Full Statement

M U N I C I P A L  &  S C H O O L   A U D I T S

• Newburgh Enlarged City School District – Financial Management
• Caneadea Fire District – Treasurer’s Records and Reports
• Town of Palermo – Transparency of Fiscal Activities
• Beekmantown Fire District No. 1 – Investment Program
• Beekmantown Fire District No. 1 – Board Oversight
• Village of Churchville – Financial Management

A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S 

DiNapoli Warns of $27.5B Budget Gap in Proposed ’27 Executive Budget 

Hochul's budget removes $4 billion from comptroller oversight, DiNapoli says 

Starbucks' investor group urges shareholders to replace directors over labor row 

Report: New York's Tuition Assistance Program not keeping up with inflation, tuition costs 

Note: Some news links may require a paid subscription 

P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

Bronx River Art Center - A Late February Update from BRAC!

Bronx River Art Center

Mid-February Update!

Art Education

BRAC Innovators

Free Afterschool STEAM Program for Pre-Teens & Teens

Ongoing | Rolling Admission

Learning isn't just about science and math. It's about art, too! With our new afterschool initiative, BRAC Innovators, participants will explore all the ways that science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics all combine and relate to each other to fuel creative new ways of thinking.

BRAC Innovators is broken up into two programs: MSCreate, a middle school program for ages 10-14 (now open to 5th graders too!), and Teen Project Studio, a high school program for ages 14-19. Click the program logos below to learn more about each.

We'll continue to have informational sessions for those curious about the BRAC Innovators program. Keep an eye out for upcoming dates for these events.

Make It Together Friday!

Friday, March 6 from 5 - 8pm

FREE EVENT

Bring the whole family for a fun, hands-on creative evening with Make It Together Friday! Explore BRAC's art programs through fun DIY art stations and coloring activities, explore our afterschool programs for middle and high school students, meet our instructors, see student projects, and get inspired!

As a special family perk, those who enroll in our BRAC Innovators program during the event will receive a special treat!

RSVP for Art Event

Paint, Plant, & Grow Workshop

with Tammy Wofsey

Friday, March 13 from 5 - 8pm

Bring your own plant container to upcycle — like an old milk carton — and decorate it with paint and other materials with guidance from artist Tammy Wofsey! All art materials are included, as well as soil and plants! Just bring your creativity and a recyclable. Light refreshments and snacks will also be available.

Pricing: $12 (Youth), $20 (Adults), $35 (Pairs)

Purchase Tickets for Workshop

BRAC Student Art Showcase

Saturday, March 21 from 1 - 4pm

FREE EVENT

Celebrate the incredible creativity of our Winter 2026 program students as they proudly showcase their artwork throughout the Bronx River Art Center!

Spring Registration will also be officially open by this date. Stay tuned for more information about the showcase and class registration in our March newsletter.

RSVP for Student Art Show

Gallery

2021 - 2025 BRIO Retrospective

On View until March 15th

The Bronx River Art Center and Bronx Council of the Arts are proud to present the 2021–2025 BRIO Retrospective, a Longwood Art Gallery exhibition celebrating a selection of Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) awardees working across the visual arts.

The exhibition emerges as both a celebration of this important award and a vibrant mosaic of Bronx talent, reflecting the breadth of creative inquiry and lived experience shaping contemporary artistic practice in the borough. The works engage with pressing social, racial, environmental, and identity-based issues through diverse media, including mixed media, etching, painting, photography, installation, and textile.

Featured artists are Juan Butten, Shelley Haven, Esteban Guerra, Jessica Lagunas, E. Lombardo, Tijay Mohammed, Abigail Montes, Amy Pryor, Shellyne Rodriguez, and Misra Walker.

Visit Our Gallery Page

BRAC Opportunities

Call for Artists

Cultural Immigrant Initiative (CII) 2026

Application Deadline: Tuesday, February 24th by Midnight

Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) invites Bronx-based artists to apply for the Cultural Immigrant Initiative, a program supporting projects that celebrate and explore the cultural histories, traditions, and heritages of immigrant communities in New York City.

This initiative seeks to increase access to meaningful, community-based cultural programming that uplifts immigrant experiences and fosters cross-cultural understanding. Selected artists will receive a stipend of $3,000-$5,000 for their project, which will take place in Bronx community centers or public spaces (parks, recreation centers, libraries, etc.) selected and approved in partnership with BRAC.

Click the link below to start filling out your application. Please contact opencall@bronxriverart.org for any questions or concerns.

Apply for CII 2026

Job Opening

Environmental Programs & Initiatives Coordinator

Role Overview:

The Environmental Coordinator will support Bronx River Art Center’s Environmental Enrichment programs by providing hands-on guidance, coordination, and expertise around green and environmental initiatives. This role is collaborative, working closely with BRAC staff, teaching artists, volunteers, and partner organizations to ensure high-quality, interactive, and safe environmental learning experiences for youth and community participants.

Key Responsibilities:

•   Assist lead program staff in the delivery & ideation of interactive environmental and green programming, including garden stewardship, urban farming, water ecology, and nature-based activities.
•   Support BRAC volunteers and interns, including coordination, training, and supervision during garden, riverbank, and program activities.
•   Collaborate with local partners, including Bronx River Alliance, Drew Gardens, and Bronx River Community Garden, to coordinate program logistics and ensure alignment with environmental learning objectives.
•   Help maintain and organize green spaces and program sites, including gardens, rooftop green spaces, and riverbanks, supporting sustainability, safety, and accessibility.
•   Assist with project planning and implementation for enrichment initiatives, providing expertise in outdoor and environmental program design.
•   Provide feedback and observations to staff on program effectiveness, participant engagement, and opportunities for improvement, contributing to evaluation and reporting.
•   Lead or teach environmental sessions onsite at BRAC in collaboration with the education team. 
•   Lead program initiatives and content creation and collaboration for our City Day of Water, City Day of Forest, Flotilla Day, and Earth Day community engagement events.

Qualifications & Skills:

•   Experience in urban agriculture, environmental education, ecology, or conservation programs.
•   Ability to engage and support youth, volunteers, and staff in outdoor and hands-on learning experiences.
•    Strong organizational skills for coordinating multiple sites, partners, and volunteers.
•   Comfortable working outdoors in diverse weather conditions and managing physical aspects of gardens and riverbank sites.
• Collaborative, flexible, and responsive to the needs of youth, staff, and community partners.

Commitment & Compensation:

•    Contracted as a 1099 consultant, March through October 2026.
•   Approximately 6–12 hours per week, with some weeks fluctuating up or down.
•   Compensation: $25/hour.

Impact:

The Environmental Consultant is a key contributor to BRAC’s mission of providing hands-on environmental learning, STEAM integration, and community events & stewardship opportunities. By supporting program delivery, volunteer engagement, and partner collaboration, this role strengthens the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of BRAC’s green and environmental initiatives.

How to apply:

Please submit, cover letter, resume, 2-3 references and any applicable work samples to jobs@bronxriverart.org. In subject line please include, First & Last Name, Environmental Programs & Initiatives Coordinator

Applications and interviews will be on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We will prioritize applications submitted by February 28th.