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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 County Hosts Third Annual Housing Forum April 25
New City, NY — In recognition of Fair Housing Month and Community Development Week, Rockland County will host its third annual Housing Forum on Friday, April 25 at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona. Organized by County Executive Ed Day and Community Development Director Alexandra Obremski, the event brings together a diverse group…
Continue Reading Rockland County Hosts Third Annual Housing Forum April 25
Nyack Flower Market Set to Bloom with Grand Opening April 12
Nyack, NY — Best of luck to the new Nyack Flower Market, making its blooming debut this Saturday, April 12, at Hezekiah Easter Veteran’s Square. Held every second and fourth Saturday going forward, the market promises a vibrant mix of flowers, plants, seedlings, antique garden furniture, botanical art, ceramics, and more. It’s a fresh and…
Continue Reading Nyack Flower Market Set to Bloom with Grand Opening April 12
Drinking & Dragons at Stony Point Beer Co.
Stony Point, NY — Spring is in full swing at Stony Point Beer Co., and fans of fantasy and fermentation have reason to celebrate. The brewery’s popular “Drinking & Dragons” Dungeons & Dragons campaign returned this past Saturday to a packed house, officially selling out its first session. “We’re so stoked!” the team shared in…
New City Man Arrested for Possession of Ghost Gun
New City, NY – A months-long investigation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force resulted in the arrest of Charles Breslow, 24, of New City, NY, for possessing an illegal “ghost gun.” The arrest was made after a search warrant was executed at Breslow’s home on April 7, 2025. Ghost guns, untraceable…
Continue Reading New City Man Arrested for Possession of Ghost Gun
Dept of Health celebrates National Public Health Week
New City, NY – The Rockland County Department of Health celebrated National Public Health Week this past week from April 7 to April 13, 2025. This event, sponsored annually by the American Public Health Association, marked its 30th anniversary this year, offering a perfect opportunity to reflect on the successes achieved in public health and…
Continue Reading Dept of Health celebrates National Public Health Week
Frank Ferraro
Frank Ferraro, 78, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025. Beloved husband of Regina (nee Boggiano). Loving father of Frank and his wife Jennifer and Craig and his wife Jennifer. Proud grandfather of Mia, Ella, Brett, Dylan and Mason. Dearest brother and brother-in-law of Elaine and Michael Presutti, Judy Colonna and James…
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.