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:
Thomas Knutson Eiken
Thomas Knutson Eiken, 80, of Northvale, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Born September 19, 1944, Tom grew up in the Highbridge section of the Bronx NY. A proud New Yorker, he often reminisced about the NYC street games he loved playing like stick ball, skully and off the point. He…
Rockland Music Venue Rhodes North Tavern in Sloatsburg Sold
SLOATSBURG, NY — A cornerstone of the Rockland County music and dining scene is turning the page on a beloved chapter. Rhodes North Tavern, the iconic restaurant, bar, and live music venue nestled in the heart of Sloatsburg, has officially been sold, with its final night under current ownership set for next Friday, May 9,…
Continue Reading Rockland Music Venue Rhodes North Tavern in Sloatsburg Sold
Blanche O. Hartophilis
Blanche O. Hartophilis (nee Kourany), 87, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Michael Hartophilis. Loving mother of Georgene Griffin and husband Brian, Russell Hartophilis and wife Claudia, and Jackie O’Neill and husband Don. Adored grandmother of Samantha, Ryan, Andy, Connor and Cooper. Caring sister of Janet…
Haverstraw NY’s First Licensed Cannabis Dispensary Opens Next Week
Store will be at the old TD Bank location. Likely using a green motif. Haverstraw, NY — History will be made in the Town of Haverstraw on Wednesday, May 7, as the community welcomes its first licensed cannabis dispensary. It is a significant upgrade from the “unlicensed mobile dispensers” of the 1990’s and 2000’s. Prices may…
Continue Reading Haverstraw NY’s First Licensed Cannabis Dispensary Opens Next Week
Aftermath: Tensions Flared at End of Mike Lawler Event
WEST NYACK, NY — The town hall-style event last Sunday featuring Congressman Mike Lawler ended on a tense note – after a verbal altercation between two attendees drew attention from both social media and local observers. According to a statement from Lauren-Marie Wohl, the incident occurred just after the formal portion of the event concluded.…
Continue Reading Aftermath: Tensions Flared at End of Mike Lawler Event
Thomas M. Frasse
Thomas M. Frasse, 60, of Hackensack, NJ, formerly of Norwood, NJ, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025. Cherished son of Sarah and the late Howard Frasse. Dear brother of William and John. Loving father of Paulina, Nicholas and Alison. Also survived by many loving cousins. Tom was owned Frasse Landscaping Design in Norwood for…
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.