The Week in Review: Feb 12, 2025

 •  By

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

Today’s Sponsor:

This Week’s Key News Stories:

Sponsors:

Top Stories:

Stony Point Seals Polar Plunge:

The 26th annual event raised funds for children with serious medical conditions, despite harsh weather conditions with 5 inches of fresh snow. Beneficiaries included Alexander, Jade, Noel, and Elizabeth.

Future interviews are planned with founders John Fox and Michael Leyden.

Tourism Grants:

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Economic Development Director Jenna Nazario announced $316,000 in tourism grants to 30 organizations.

Tourism brought in over $556 million in 2023, reducing the average household tax burden by $613.

Housing Plans Public Input:

Rockland County is seeking public input on housing and community development, with a survey open through March 15.

Fire Safety Concerns:

Ed Day condemned the Rockland County Mazzilli ACMA’s petition to become an independent fire company due to safety concerns.

MTA and Congestion Pricing:

Ed Day criticized the MTA’s congestion pricing, citing inequitable investment in Rockland’s transit services.

Orange County’s legislation to withdraw from the MTA could influence Rockland’s future decisions.

New Community Relations Director:

Yvette Nunez Arias was appointed as the new Director of Community Relations, focusing on enhancing ties between government and local communities.

Black History Month Celebration:
  • Scheduled for February 21, 2025, at the Lewis Kurtz Center in Spring Valley, hosted by the NAACP and Tappan Zee Lodge #79.

Weather:

  • Tuesday: Evening snow flurries.
  • Wednesday: Cloudy, high of 35°F, low of 32°F.
  • Thursday: Rain, high of 44°F, low of 26°F.
  • Friday: Cloudy, high of 33°F, low of 19°F.
  • Saturday: Possible snow flurries (1-3 inches), high of 35°F, low of 32°F.
  • Sunday: Rain, high of 41°F, low of 21°F.

Interviews:

⁠John Ross (Rocklanders for Alternatives to Driving – RAD)⁠:

  • Advocate for improved public transportation, better sidewalks, and bike lanes in Rockland County.
  • Discussed the implications of Orange County’s potential withdrawal from the MTA and its possible impact on Rockland.
  • Emphasized the need for more reliable bus services and potential transit-oriented developments like those proposed near the Shops at Nanuet.

⁠Tina Dawn (Life Force Self-Defense)⁠:

  • A registered nurse turned self-defense instructor with a 5th-degree black belt.
  • Shared her personal journey into self-defense after a stalking incident.
  • Emphasized the importance of women learning self-defense to build confidence and safety awareness.
  • Offers classes focused on practical, real-life self-defense techniques, encouraging women of all fitness levels to participate.

More stories:

Haverstraw Man Charged in Ball Field Burglary

Haverstraw, NY – A 39-year-old Haverstraw man has been arrested and charged in connection with a burglary at the Manny Lopez Municipal Ball Field after authorities said two pieces of power equipment were stolen from a building at the village-owned recreational facility. The Haverstraw Police Department said officers responded to the Manny Lopez Baseball Field…

Continue Reading Haverstraw Man Charged in Ball Field Burglary

Rising Energy Costs Take Center Stage in NY-17 Race

Pearl River, NY – Rising electricity costs in Rockland County and across the Hudson Valley are becoming an issue in the race for New York’s 17th Congressional District, with an advocacy organization criticizing Republican Rep. Mike Lawler’s voting record while Lawler and his campaign argue that state energy policies are primarily responsible for higher utility…

Continue Reading Rising Energy Costs Take Center Stage in NY-17 Race

Underage Drinking Violations Found at Spring Valley Businesses

Spring Valley, NY – Five bars and restaurants in Spring Valley were cited for alleged Alcoholic Beverage Control violations following a joint enforcement operation by the Spring Valley Police Department and the New York State Liquor Authority, with one establishment ordered to close for the remainder of the night after authorities reported finding numerous underage…

Continue Reading Underage Drinking Violations Found at Spring Valley Businesses

Clarkstown Proposes Six-Month Building Moratorium

New City, NY – The Clarkstown Town Board has introduced a proposed six-month building moratorium that would temporarily restrict approvals for certain larger development projects while town officials review zoning regulations, infrastructure needs and long-term land-use plans. The Town Board has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed moratorium for Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 6:30…

Continue Reading Clarkstown Proposes Six-Month Building Moratorium

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.