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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:
Rockland Passes Law to Combat Deepfakes, AI Abuse
NEW CITY, NY— The Rockland County Legislature has unanimously passed a new local law aimed at combating the growing threat of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes — digital fabrications that can mimic real people’s faces, voices, and gestures with alarming realism. The Damaging Deepfake Act makes it a crime to knowingly create or distribute deceptive digital media…
Continue Reading Rockland Passes Law to Combat Deepfakes, AI Abuse
Dunkin’ in Blauvelt Reopens with Community Celebration and Charitable Donation
BLAUVELT, NY — Residents and coffee lovers gathered last week to celebrate the grand reopening of the Dunkin’ restaurant at 580 Route 303 in Blauvelt, which unveiled its modern “Next Generation” design and marked the occasion with both giveaways and a charitable contribution. As part of the festivities, franchise owner Kishan Patel presented a $3,000…
Continue Reading Dunkin’ in Blauvelt Reopens with Community Celebration and Charitable Donation
Severe Winds Expected to Batter Rockland County Wednesday Evening
New City, NY — A powerful windstorm is forecast to move into the Lower Hudson Valley region this evening, bringing with it potentially damaging wind gusts and heightened concerns for residents throughout Rockland County. According to meteorological reports, sustained winds are expected to reach 30 miles per hour, with gusts that could top 60 miles…
Continue Reading Severe Winds Expected to Batter Rockland County Wednesday Evening
Rockland Election: Day Stays as County Executive; GOP Holds Ground in Local Races
https://youtu.be/e-TlzDcDdhk?si=tqiW5f8uf_CZFO2P ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Voters across Rockland County delivered decisive wins for incumbent officials and cross-endorsed candidates in the most recent general election, reaffirming Republican and Conservative Party strength in many of the county’s local offices. County Executive Ed Day secured a sweeping re-election victory with nearly 74% of the vote, defeating challenger Michael…
Continue Reading Rockland Election: Day Stays as County Executive; GOP Holds Ground in Local Races
SUNY Chancellor Highlights RCC’s Role in Expanding Access for Adult Learners
Suffern, NY — Rockland Community College (RCC) welcomed State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. to campus this week as part of his statewide SUNY Reconnect Tour, an initiative designed to expand higher education opportunities for adult learners. The visit spotlighted SUNY Reconnect, a program offering eligible New Yorkers ages 25 to…
Continue Reading SUNY Chancellor Highlights RCC’s Role in Expanding Access for Adult Learners
Lynn Allison Baker
Lynn Allison Baker (nee O’Donnell), 62, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, November 3, 2025, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Lynn was the beloved wife of Glenn, proud mother of Christopher and Bryan, and her faithful dog Tasha. Cherished daughter of Marilyn Clark and sister of…
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.