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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:
Town of Clarkstown Hiring Seasonal Workers
Clarkstown, NY – The Town of Clarkstown Department of Engineering & Facilities Management is seeking applicants for Seasonal Custodian Workers and Seasonal Groundsworkers positions. Job Details: Pay: $17.00 per hour Hours: Up to 29 hours per week year-round 40 hours per week for a six-month period Availability: Evenings and weekends required Interested applicants can apply…
New York State Launches Website to Fill Job Openings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C2YvdbHqFc Albany, NY – New York State has launched a new website to help fill job openings across the state, offering flexible schedules, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits. With offices throughout the state, job seekers can find opportunities close to home while contributing to programs that impact millions of residents. Positions are available across various…
Continue Reading New York State Launches Website to Fill Job Openings
Rockland Green to Host Free Paper Shredding Event in West Nyack
West Nyack, NY – Rockland Green will host a free paper shredding event on March 22 at Germonds Park, providing residents with a secure way to dispose of sensitive documents. Event Details: Date: March 22 Time: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Location: Germonds Park, 165 Germonds Rd., West Nyack, NY Limit: Three boxes per car…
Continue Reading Rockland Green to Host Free Paper Shredding Event in West Nyack
Heritage Quilters of the Hudson Palisades to Host Quilt Show at Nanuet Library
Nanuet, NY – The Heritage Quilters of the Hudson Palisades will present their annual Quilt Show at the Nanuet Library, showcasing a variety of exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for attendees of all ages. The event will take place on: Saturday, March 8 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 9 – 12 p.m.…
Continue Reading Heritage Quilters of the Hudson Palisades to Host Quilt Show at Nanuet Library
Community Reader Day at George W. Miller Elementary
Nanuet, NY – Supervisor George Hoehmann joined students at George W. Miller Elementary School for Community Celebrity Reader Day, an annual event in the Nanuet School District aimed at promoting literacy and a love of reading among young learners. During his visit, Hoehmann read “The Most Boring Book Ever” by Brandon Sanderson to several kindergarten…
Continue Reading Community Reader Day at George W. Miller Elementary
Clarkstown Cracks Down on Illegal Massage Parlors
Clarkstown, NY – Supervisor George Hoehmann and Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker have announced a new enforcement initiative by the Town of Clarkstown and the Clarkstown Police Department to crack down on illegal massage parlors operating within the town. The initiative targets violations of local town codes, human trafficking concerns, and illicit activities associated with unlicensed…
Continue Reading Clarkstown Cracks Down on Illegal Massage Parlors
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.