The Week in Review: Feb 1, 2025

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Also available on Spotify – click here to listen to the episode

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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

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:

New Details Emerge in Death of Rockland Native Hayden Panettiere

Palisades, NY – New details have emerged in the investigation into the death of actress and Rockland County native Hayden Panettiere, as authorities in South Carolina continue working to determine what caused the 36-year-old actress’s sudden death. Panettiere, who grew up in Palisades, was found unresponsive on Aug. 16 at a residence in Greenville, South…

Continue Reading New Details Emerge in Death of Rockland Native Hayden Panettiere

Clarkstown Proposes Six-Month Building Moratorium

New City, NY – The Clarkstown Town Board has introduced a proposal for a six-month building moratorium that would temporarily restrict approvals for certain large-scale residential, commercial and industrial development projects while town officials review zoning regulations, infrastructure needs and long-term preservation plans. A public hearing on the proposed local law is scheduled for Sept.…

Continue Reading Clarkstown Proposes Six-Month Building Moratorium

Eleven Law Enforcement Unions Endorse Rep. Mike Lawler for Reelection

HAVERSTRAW, N.Y. — Eleven law enforcement organizations representing officers across the Hudson Valley, New York City and New York State endorsed U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler for reelection Monday during an event in Rockland County. The organizations collectively represent more than 80,000 law enforcement officers statewide, according to Lawler’s campaign. The Republican congressman is seeking another…

Continue Reading Eleven Law Enforcement Unions Endorse Rep. Mike Lawler for Reelection

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.