Today’s Sponsor:
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:
Dr. Leonard A. Shaw
Dr. Leonard A. Shaw, 96, of Norwood, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, surrounded by love. Leonard was the beloved husband of Nejhla (née Kelamoff), a devoted and loving father to Charles and his wife Mia, and to Darren, and a proud, adoring grandfather to Lea, Ryan, and Tessa. He was…
Rockland WIC Program Awarded $85K Grant
NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) has been awarded $85,000 to support its “Fresh Start: WIC Access and Nutrition Equity Program,” which is designed to increase access to nutrition education and healthy food options for low-income families. The funding, provided by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, will support program enhancements…
Protesters Pack Rockland Legislature Over ICE Legislation
Editor’s note: This story is currently being updated. New City, NY – A tense yet orderly evening unfolded at the Rockland County Legislature as residents packed the New City-based Government Center to protest a proposed law that would restrict local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The legislation, still in draft…
Continue Reading Protesters Pack Rockland Legislature Over ICE Legislation
Orangetown Man Convicted of Burglary After Spring Valley Apartment Break-In
Orangetown, NY (February 3, 2026) – Wesleigh Gilsenan, 41, of Orangetown, was convicted of Burglary in the Second Degree in Rockland County Court following a two-day bench trial, according to an announcement from District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II. The verdict, delivered by the Honorable Judge Kevin F. Russo, on January 30, stems from an…
Continue Reading Orangetown Man Convicted of Burglary After Spring Valley Apartment Break-In
Clarkstown sixth graders graduate D.A.R.E
NANUET, NY — Sixth-grade students at A. MacArthur Barr Middle School were recognized this week for completing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, marking the culmination of a course focused on decision-making, personal responsibility and safety. Clarkstown Police Chief Jeffrey Wanamaker, Town Supervisor George Hoehmann and members of the Town Board attended the ceremony…
Rockland County Officials Debate New Law Limiting ICE Cooperation
Democrats Say It Protects Families; Republicans Warn It Threatens Safety. By Kimmie Anderson New City, NY — A proposed law in Rockland County has sparked debate between Democrats and Republicans over how local police should interact with federal immigration agents. The bill, called the “Safety and Dignity for All Act”, was introduced by Democratic Legislator…
Continue Reading Rockland County Officials Debate New Law Limiting ICE Cooperation
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.