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Summary:
This week’s Rockland News Week in Review podcast covers major housing developments, legal issues, educational expansions, and exclusive interviews with business and security professionals. Highlights include new grants by Rockland County for housing projects, a federal lawsuit against Rockland County and Spring Valley regarding a prior housing project, updates on the contested Chair Factory redevelopment project in Haverstraw, and St. Thomas Aquinas College’s latest academic expansion.
The podcast also features interviews with Jim Keenan of Tactical Citizen discussing personal safety training, and Hopeton Scott from Business Financial Compass, financial planning, and IRS tax strategies.
This Week’s Key News Stories:
Housing Developments & Legal Challenges
- County Executive Ed Day announced HALO Fund grants totaling $13.5 million for affordable housing in Clarkstown and Haverstraw, aimed at addressing Rockland’s housing crisis without using local taxpayer dollars.
- The federal government has sued Rockland County and Spring Valley over failure to fulfill a 2018 agreement requiring 62 affordable housing units. Only four units have been completed, despite a HUD extension.
- Chair Factory redevelopment remains a contentious issue in Haverstraw. Concerns persist over housing density, affordability, and a proposed 34-year PILOT tax incentive, which some fear could burden taxpayers. The North Rockland School District is also reviewing the project’s impact on student enrollment.
Education & Business Growth
- St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) is launching its first-ever STEM master’s programs in Exercise Science in Fall 2025. The programs will provide hybrid learning and financial incentives, including $10,000 scholarships and 50% tuition discounts for early applicants.
- STAC becomes the new host site for the Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC), assisting 570 businesses in Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam counties. The center has contributed over $7.8 million in business funding and will provide students with internship opportunities.
Weather Update
- Saturday: 32°F, Sunny
- Sunday: 34°F, Cloudy
- Monday: 49°F, Cloudy
- Tuesday: 41°F, Sunny
- Wednesday: 36°F, Cloudy
- Thursday: 48°F, Chance of Snow
- Friday: 40°F, Sunny
Exclusive Interviews
Jim Keenan – Tactical Citizen (Personal Safety & Security)
- Jim Keenan, founder of Tactical Citizen, discussed self-defense, situational awareness, and emergency preparedness.
- He emphasized the importance of de-escalation, stress management, and training for handling violent encounters, natural disasters, and self-defense scenarios.
- Keenan is expanding his CPR training program to Spanish-speaking communities in Rockland.
- Training workshops, including CCW firearm courses and situational awareness classes, are planned for February 2025.
- Classes are often held at local venues like Fiesta Acapulco and community centers.
Hopeton Scott – Business Financial Compass (Taxes & Financial Planning)
- Hopeton Scott, an IRS-enrolled agent, covered legal tax avoidance strategies for business owners.
- Explained “ordinary vs. necessary” business expenses, tax deductions for home offices, business networking fees, transportation, and software expenses.
- Offered insights into IRS resolutions such as installment agreements, offer-in-compromise, and effective tax administration.
- Stressed the importance of compliance and proactively communicating with the IRS to avoid financial penalties.
- Encouraged small business owners to leverage tax rules legally while planning for long-term financial success.
- Upcoming tax and financial planning seminars to be announced soon.
Closing Remarks
- Rockland News celebrates five years of providing community-focused journalism, reaching 500,000 readers since its launch.
- Acknowledgment of key advertisers and supporters, including Dana Pest Control, Emerald Medicare, and St. Thomas Aquinas College.
- The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and RocklandNews.com.
More stories:
Clarkstown Seeks State Approval for Preservation Fund
New City, NY– The Clarkstown Town Board has unanimously approved a resolution asking the New York State Legislature to enact what officials are calling the Clarkstown Community Preservation Act, a proposed law that would authorize the town to create a local preservation fund and a Purchase of Development Rights, or PDR, program. If the state…
Continue Reading Clarkstown Seeks State Approval for Preservation Fund
Illegal New City Daycare Case Ends in Civil Settlement
New City NY: The Town of Clarkstown has reached a civil settlement with the operators of what officials described as an illegal daycare on Maple Avenue in New City, according to a statement released by Supervisor George Hoehmann. Under the agreement, the town imposed $40,000 in fines, which Hoehmann said ranks among the largest penalties…
Continue Reading Illegal New City Daycare Case Ends in Civil Settlement
Nanette Michelmore
Nanette Michelmore (nee West) passed away at the age of 96 on February 26, 2026.Nanette was born in Adelaide, Australia December 14, 1929, and there she met the love of her life, Peter Michelmore. Peter was a journalist and his work took them on adventures from Australia to London, New York, back to Australia and…
Hat Trick! Suffern HS Men’s Hockey Wins Third State Title
Photo by Mike Lawler. Suffern, N.Y. — The Suffern High School boys hockey team added another chapter to one of New York’s strongest recent runs on Sunday, defeating Canton 5-2 in the NYSPHSAA Division I state championship game and completing a three-year title streak. The victory gave the Mounties their third consecutive state championship and…
Continue Reading Hat Trick! Suffern HS Men’s Hockey Wins Third State Title
Nancy Lombardo
Nancy Lombardo (nee Maltese), 81, of Galloway, NJ passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026 after fighting a long-term illness. She was the loving mother of Joseph Lombardo, who she adored. Beloved aunt of the late Selena Piazza Giuliano, the late Nancy Grasso and John Piazza, Jr.. She was predeceased by her sisters Marie Piazza and Jeannie Montenes, and her…
Woman Charged After Stony Point Spa Undercover Investigation, Police Say
STONY POINT, NY – A 41-year-old Flushing woman has been arrested following an undercover investigation into alleged prostitution-related activity at a Stony Point business, according to police. The Stony Point Police Department said the investigation was launched after multiple community complaints involving Duskhil Spa, located at 54 S. Liberty Dr. Police said the department worked…
Continue Reading Woman Charged After Stony Point Spa Undercover Investigation, Police Say
This Week’s Featured Event:
Whiskey Crossing & Line Dancing at the Patriot Lounge
Nashville recording artist Whiskey Crossing is currently signed with Perry Music Group of Nashville for distribution. Whiskey Crossing is an upbeat high energy country act that is sure to bring the heat and excitement to any stage. Bringing down the house with a sing-along set with original country covers from the 90s to today as well as original music that is available for streaming worldwide. LEARN MORE
Thanks for joining us on this week’s edition of the Rockland News Week in Review.
