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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:
Linda M. Grove
Linda M. Grove (Piana) of Congers, NY, formerly of Norwood, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025 with her family by her side. Born in Englewood, New Jersey on November 1, 1941, Linda was the eldest daughter of the late Charles and Marie (Frosco) Piana and a graduate of Northern Valley Demarest High School.…
Rockland Man Indicted in Federal Child Pornography Case
Rockland County, NY – A Rockland County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with a child pornography case spanning multiple states. The indictment, issued on January 29, 2025, charges Jason J. Traina, 52, of Rockland County, NY, with distribution of child pornography as part of an investigation led by federal…
Continue Reading Rockland Man Indicted in Federal Child Pornography Case
James B. Ewings
James Bruce Ewings, 88, of Montvale, NJ, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Sunday evening, February 2, 2025, with his devoted wife Rose (Forker) and their dog Belle by his side. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on March 29, 1936 and grew-up in Park Ridge, NJ Jim enlisted in the…
Rockland County Encourages Walking for Heart Health During American Heart Month
New City, NY – February is American Heart Month, and the Rockland County Department of Health is reminding residents of the many health benefits of walking. Whether indoors or outdoors, walking is a simple yet effective way to boost overall well-being, particularly heart health. Research from the American Heart Association highlights that walking briskly for…
Continue Reading Rockland County Encourages Walking for Heart Health During American Heart Month
Spring Valley to Host Black History Month Celebration
Spring Valley, NY – The Village of Spring Valley, in partnership with the NAACP of Spring Valley and Tappan Zee Lodge #79, invites community members to a special event celebrating Black History Month. The gathering will highlight history, culture, and community while honoring the contributions of Black leaders past and present. The celebration will take…
Continue Reading Spring Valley to Host Black History Month Celebration
Selena M. Piazza Giuliano
Selena M. Piazza Giuliano, 65, of Norwood, NJ, passed away at home on Thursday, January 30, 2025. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas Giuliano, her parents, John and Marie Piazza. Dear sister of John Piazza, Jr. and his late wife Barbara. Loving niece of Nancy Lombardo and cousin of Joseph Lombardo. Selena was…
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.