Today’s Sponsor:
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:
Peas Playcare
Peas Playcare Saturday Spotlight with owner Alyssa Previti Tell me a bit about your background. What did you do before starting your business? I was the Head of HR for a tech company called Wellfound for 10 years. This taught me to be a wiz at operations, but in my childhood and through college I…
Marie A. Iorio
Marie A. Iorio (nee Forte), 77, of Orangeburg, NY, passed away at home surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, November 24, 2025. Beloved wife of 55 years to Robert A. Iorio. Loving mother of Robert, Jr. and wife Cheryl, Christopher and wife Danya, Lisa Porco and husband Ralph and Daniel and wife…
James John Pankauski
James John Pankauski, 63, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Beloved husband of Laura (née Spincken). Devoted father of Jonathan and Michael, and loving owner of his dog, Luna. Proud brother of John Pankauski. He is also survived by many cherished friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his parents, Alphonse and Sophie. James was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts. He grew up…
Sandra M. Moskowitz
Sandra M. Moskowitz (nee Scarano), 78, of Forest Hills, NY, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Arnold Moskowitz. Cherished sister of Paula Zaccone and her husband Robert and the late Damon Scarano. Loving aunt of Gregory Zaccone and wife Melissa, Justin Zaccone and Bethany, Douglas Scarano and wife Cassie…
Matthew Alexander Socrates Dimataris
Matthew Alexander Socrates Dimataris, 33, of Northvale, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Beloved son of Greg and Ali Dimataris. Loving brother of Jessica and her partner Christian and Gregory Dimataris and his wife Hyon Joon. Adored uncle of Elle Ruthie Thompson. Soulmate of Kellie Higgins. He is also survived by many…
Rockland County Collects $718K Evergreen Court in Aftermath of Deadly 2021 Blaze
Jared Lloyd, who died in 2021 fire at Evergreen Court. Lloyd saved 112 lives. Spring Valley, NY — Rockland County officials have collected $718,000 in civil penalties from SPJJ LLC, the owners of the Evergreen Court Home for Adults, marking a significant moment in a prolonged battle over safety violations and public accountability. This enforcement…
Continue Reading Rockland County Collects $718K Evergreen Court in Aftermath of Deadly 2021 Blaze
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.