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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:
Clarkstown to Host Spooktacular Halloween Festival at Congers Lake October 18th
Congers, NY – The Town of Clarkstown is set to celebrate the spooky season in style with its annual Halloween Festival at Congers Lake Memorial Park — a family favorite that promises frightful fun and community spirit for all ages. The free event will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to…
Continue Reading Clarkstown to Host Spooktacular Halloween Festival at Congers Lake October 18th
Clarkstown Hosts Annual Halloween K-9 Costume Contest Oct 17th
Get ready for a howling good time! The Town of Clarkstown is rolling out the orange carpet for its annual Halloween K-9 Costume Contest, where local pups will strut their spooky (and adorable) stuff at Congers Lake Memorial Park. The free event will take place on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM, with a…
Continue Reading Clarkstown Hosts Annual Halloween K-9 Costume Contest Oct 17th
Village of Suffern Set for Paving This Week
Residents of Suffern are advised to prepare for upcoming roadwork as the Village continues its efforts to improve local streets. Crews will be paving Essex Lane, Bon Aire Circle, and Bon Aire Circle West on Wednesday, October 15, and Thursday, October 16, 2025. During the two-day project, parking will not be permitted on any of…
Continue Reading Village of Suffern Set for Paving This Week
Leonard Anthony Capabianca
Leonard Anthony Capabianca Sr., 88, of Northvale, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving children on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 9:34 a.m. Born in Hackensack, he spent his entire life calling Northvale home — a town he helped shape through his work, his community involvement, and his endless devotion to family. A true man of…
Severe Nor’easter to Slam Hudson Valley Sunday with High Winds, Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risks
ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY, October 10, 2025 — Residents across the Hudson Valley should brace for a powerful nor’easter forecasted to hit the region beginning Sunday and continuing through Monday afternoon. Forecasters warn the storm could deliver wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour, up to two inches of rainfall, and a serious risk of…
Village of Nyack to Hold Benefit Concert on Sunday for Victims of Nyack Fire
Nyack, NY – In a powerful display of unity, compassion, and artistry, the Village of Nyack will host a benefit concert this Sunday to support families displaced by the devastating fire at Nyack Plaza. The event promises not only a night of extraordinary music – but also a chance for neighbors to help neighbors rebuild…
Continue Reading Village of Nyack to Hold Benefit Concert on Sunday for Victims of Nyack Fire
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.