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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:
Valley Cottage Man Killed in Bridge Shooting; Haverstraw Man Charged
Fort Lee, NY – A 46-year-old Rockland County man was fatally shot Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026, while driving across the George Washington Bridge in what investigators believe may have been a road rage incident. A retired New York City Police Department detective from Haverstraw was arrested the following day and charged with murder in…
Continue Reading Valley Cottage Man Killed in Bridge Shooting; Haverstraw Man Charged
Lake Nanuet Inclusive Playground Project Begins
New City, NY – The Town of Clarkstown has begun construction on a new 10,000-square-foot, all-inclusive playground at Lake Nanuet, expanding recreational facilities for children and families with different physical abilities and accessibility needs. Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann and members of the Town Board attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, marking the…
Continue Reading Lake Nanuet Inclusive Playground Project Begins
Rockland Approves Home Security Aid for Abuse Survivors
Photo courtesy: The Journal News New City, NY – The Rockland County Legislature unanimously approved a new law on October 20, 2026, establishing a program to provide free home security improvements to eligible survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. The program will help residents obtain replacement door locks, exterior security cameras and other approved protective…
Continue Reading Rockland Approves Home Security Aid for Abuse Survivors
Why Incumbents Avoid Political Debates: The Curious Case of Bill Weber
As calls grow for a debate between Bill Weber and challenger Joe Rand for NYS Senate District 38, we look at the political calculations that prompt campaign managers to decline invitations. Rockland County, NY – When an elected official seeks another term in public office, voters may expect that candidate to participate in a public…
Continue Reading Why Incumbents Avoid Political Debates: The Curious Case of Bill Weber
Rockland Residents Eligible for Energy Rebates
Albany, NY – New York State is distributing approximately $1 billion in energy rebate payments to 8.2 million households, including eligible Rockland County residents, under a program intended to offset rising household utility costs. Payments of $100, $150 or $200 began mailing on September 21, 2026, and are scheduled to continue through December. Governor Kathy…
Continue Reading Rockland Residents Eligible for Energy Rebates
Conley Leads Quarterly Fundraising, Lawler Holds Cash Advantage
New City, NY – Democratic congressional candidate Cait Conley raised approximately three times as much money as Republican incumbent Congressman Mike Lawler during the third quarter of 2026, according to campaign finance disclosures covering July 1 through September 30. However, Lawler entered October with substantially more money remaining in his campaign account as both candidates…
Continue Reading Conley Leads Quarterly Fundraising, Lawler Holds Cash Advantage
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.