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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:
Trump and Lawler Put Rockland County NY on National Stage
By Thomas Brady, with assistance of Rockland News Staff SUFFERN, N.Y. — President Donald J. Trump’s visit to Rockland Community College on Friday placed Rockland County at the center of a national political and economic debate, as the president appeared alongside Congressman Mike Lawler to promote tax relief, praise local supporters and highlight several Hudson…
Continue Reading Trump and Lawler Put Rockland County NY on National Stage
Rockland County Urges Expanded Care for Veterans Facing Early-Onset Dementia
NEW CITY, N.Y. — Rockland County Legislature has unanimously approved a resolution calling for expanded federal and state support for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries and early-onset dementia linked to military service. The measure urges the United States Congress, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and New York state officials to increase funding for…
Continue Reading Rockland County Urges Expanded Care for Veterans Facing Early-Onset Dementia
Breakthrough FitCo Brings Accessible Fitness Mission to New City
NEW CITY, N.Y. — For Jake of Breakthrough Fit Co., fitness is not only about strength, speed or appearance. It is about accessibility, confidence and meeting people exactly where they are in their fitness journey. Breakthrough Fit Co., an appointment-based fitness company offering one-on-one and small group training, is preparing to open a new location…
Continue Reading Breakthrough FitCo Brings Accessible Fitness Mission to New City
LOST ARTS AT ROCA
West Nyack, NY — The Rockland Center for the Arts is presenting “Lost Arts,” a month-long exhibition highlighting traditional artistic techniques that continue to survive and evolve in a rapidly digital world. The exhibit opened April 25 and will remain on view through May 30 at RoCA’s campus on South Greenbush Road in West Nyack.…
Trump Coming to Rockland. Suddenly Everyone Has to Move Their Car
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Continue Reading Trump Coming to Rockland. Suddenly Everyone Has to Move Their Car
O&R Invests $315M In Summer Grid Upgrade
Pearl River, N.Y. — Orange and Rockland Utilities announced Wednesday that it is investing $315 million into energy infrastructure upgrades and system improvements ahead of the 2026 summer season, as the utility prepares for rising electricity demand and the possibility of severe weather events across the Hudson Valley and surrounding service territory. The investment is…
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.
