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:
Gina Buldo
Gina Buldo (nee Covertini), 88, of Norwood, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Beloved mother of Ambrogio Buldo and wife Deborah, Rosa Warnet and husband Don, Lisa Salerno and husband Mark and Tina Sacci and husband Dave. Adored grandmother of Meghan Rose, Anthony, Gabriela and husband Mike, Rachel “Reggie”, Elizabeth, Olivia, Angelina, Gianna,…
Wendy Ruggiero
Wendy Ruggiero (nee to Rondinelli), 46, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Beloved wife of Dino Ruggiero, Devoted mother of Nicollette, Gabrielle and Isabella. Cherished daughter of Joseph and Deborah Rondinelli of Harrington Park. Loving sister of Joseph and Lauren Rondinelli of Northvale and Jaime and Gerard Fernino…
Admirals Cove Resident Arrested After Violent Threats, Illegal Behavior
Property Manager, Vice President of GDC interviewed, also provides updates on updates to HVAC and mechanical issues of recent months. By Tom Ossa, Correspondent HAVERSTRAW, NY – A resident of Admirals Cove in Haverstraw was arrested Tuesday afternoon, April 7, after several days of reported disturbances at the beleaguered luxury rental complex, according to accounts…
Continue Reading Admirals Cove Resident Arrested After Violent Threats, Illegal Behavior
Joan Marie Rizzo
Joan Marie Rizzo (nee Scala), 87, a longtime resident of Northvale, NJ, formerly of West New York, NJ, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Gus Rizzo. Dearest sister of Robert and Patricia Scala, Elaine and Frank Lovato, Carol and Daniel DeMartin, Donald Scala and Patricia and Jerome Genarelli Cherished…
Five Charged in Warehouse Burglary Investigation
STONY POINT, N.Y. — Five male suspects, including three 18-year-olds and two juveniles, were charged after Stony Point police investigated a reported burglary at a warehouse early March 28, according to a police press release. Police said the case began at about 12:05 a.m., when a local business owner contacted the Stony Point Police Department…
Continue Reading Five Charged in Warehouse Burglary Investigation
Josephine Laurenzo
Josephine Laurenzo, 95, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026. She was born on November17, 1930, in New York City and lived a life centered on faith, family, and devotion to those she loved.Josephine was the beloved wife of the late Fred Laurenzo, with whom she shared an extraordinary 71 years of marriage until his…
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.
