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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:
Taxi Driver Charged After Fare Dispute in New Square
New Square, NY: A taxi driver has been charged following an alleged assault that police say stemmed from a fare dispute in the Village of New Square, according to the Ramapo Police Department. The incident occurred on Ostereh Boulevard, where officers responded after receiving a report of an altercation between a taxi driver and a…
Continue Reading Taxi Driver Charged After Fare Dispute in New Square
Driver Rescued After Palisades Parkway Rollover
Stony Point, NY: A driver was rescued Tuesday morning after becoming trapped inside one of two vehicles involved in a rollover crash on the southbound Palisades Interstate Parkway in northern Rockland County, according to emergency officials. The crash occurred shortly before 7 a.m. between Exits 13 and 14 and prompted a multi-agency response. Emergency crews…
Continue Reading Driver Rescued After Palisades Parkway Rollover
Ernst Valery Appointed to RCC Board of Trustees
Suffern, NY: Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed real estate executive, investor and educator Ernst Valery to the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees, filling a vacancy created by the recent resignation of trustee Susan Oelkers-Ramos. The appointment was made under New York State Education Law Section 6306, and Valery’s term will run through June 30,…
Continue Reading Ernst Valery Appointed to RCC Board of Trustees
Rockland County Receives Highest AAA Credit Rating
New City, NY: Rockland County has received the highest possible long-term issuer credit rating from Fitch Ratings, earning an upgrade from AA+ to AAA. The new rating places the county among a relatively small number of local governments nationwide to receive Fitch’s top designation and reflects the agency’s assessment of the county’s financial condition and…
Continue Reading Rockland County Receives Highest AAA Credit Rating
Police Standoff Draws SWAT Response in Spring Valley
Spring Valley, N.Y. — A large law enforcement operation brought a heavy police presence to the Gesner Apartments in Spring Valley on Thursday afternoon after authorities responded to reports of an armed individual inside one of the apartment units. The incident drew officers from multiple agencies and prompted the deployment of the Rockland County REACT/SWAT…
Continue Reading Police Standoff Draws SWAT Response in Spring Valley
96-degree heat, Canada Wildfire Smoke Affects Rockland
Stony Point cancels opening concert as state air-quality advisory remains in effect through Wednesday night By Rockland News Staff | July 15, 2026 ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. — Smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires settled over Rockland County on Wednesday, combining with dangerous heat to create unhealthy outdoor conditions and disrupt evening activities. The Town of…
Continue Reading 96-degree heat, Canada Wildfire Smoke Affects Rockland
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.
