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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:
County Seeks Nominations for Environmental Volunteer of the Year
POMONA, N.Y. — Rockland County officials are calling on residents to recognize community members who have made a lasting impact on the environment as nominations open for the 29th Annual County Executive’s Outstanding Environmental Volunteer Award. The award honors individuals whose volunteer efforts help protect and enhance Rockland County’s natural resources, from maintaining parks and…
Continue Reading County Seeks Nominations for Environmental Volunteer of the Year
Pamela Marie Henrici
Pamela Marie Henrici (nee DaSaro), 68, of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Beloved wife of Joseph Allen Henrici and loving mother of her son, Jason and his wife Danelle, and her daughter, Lauren. Proud grandmother of Zoey, Dominic and Lexi. Cherished daughter of Marie and her late husband Charles DaSaro.…
Rockland Launches Pedestrian Safety Push as Crash Injuries Remain High
NEW CITY, N.Y. — Rockland County officials are urging residents to stay vigilant on roadways as part of a renewed pedestrian safety campaign aimed at reducing preventable crashes and saving lives. The effort comes as pedestrian injuries continue to pose a significant public safety challenge across New York. According to state traffic safety data, 208…
Continue Reading Rockland Launches Pedestrian Safety Push as Crash Injuries Remain High
71 Young-Adults Brave Nyack’s Underground Tunnels, Found by Emergency Services
Before you ask – the most important part of this story is that all the young adults in the story are reportedly safe, and without injury. By Cesar A., Reporter Faces have been redacted to protect the privacy of the young adventurers. Nyack, NY – A field trip to Memorial Park took an unexpected turn…
Continue Reading 71 Young-Adults Brave Nyack’s Underground Tunnels, Found by Emergency Services
Miss New York Brings Spotlight to Rockland
NEW CITY, N.Y. — More than 50 young women from across New York will travel to Rockland County later this month as the county hosts the Miss New York and Miss New York’s Teen competitions, an event local leaders say will bring economic activity, cultural engagement and statewide attention to the region. The competitions are…
Clarkstown Kicks Off Summer With Serendipity Saturday
CLARKSTOWN, N.Y. — Summer officially arrives in Clarkstown this weekend as the town launches its annual Serendipity Saturday celebration, marking the start of the 2026 pool season with a day of family-friendly activities and free admission for residents. The event will take place Saturday, June 13, at Germonds Pool, where gates open at noon. Residents…
Continue Reading Clarkstown Kicks Off Summer With Serendipity Saturday
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.
