In the web development industry, after a while it gets kind of boring. It’s probably why I ended up buying Rockland News in 2020. By the way, I don’t recommend starting a new business during a pandemic.
Fast forward to 2026, and both companies are doing well, thankfully. Not without a ton of effort on our entire web and news teams’ parts. For the 2nd year in a row, Rockland News hit over 500,000 views, of over 600 stories we published.
Oh, and also those music festivals…
So why the darn-tootin’ heck would we launch another news website?
1. Journalism isn’t truth. Reporting is truth.
Over the past five years, I’ve seen tons of news websites and local activists take very clear information, and skew it to the benefit of their goals, nefarious or otherwise – and then post it as if it is being written completely objectively.
There’s a difference between news and opinion. And while we aim to not post personal opinions on Rockland News (sometimes, but only by reporting on what other people witnessed or said) Stony Point News will eventually have an opinion section.
It is my hope that you use this site to cross-reference what our reporter network witnessed or observed, notably at local Town Board meetings, Chamber of Commerce events, and other local events.
I should note: This site will occasionally have opinion pieces, including from time to time, a post from myself (as a longtime resident of Stony Point from 1990 to today). I promise to not overuse the platform. This is for you, not me or anyone in my companies.
It’s my hope that it will help to wrestle away some potentially inaccurate narratives that have permeated the Town over the past few years, and help to clarify important disparities in agreement, for the long-term future of the Town.
2. Easier Access to Local Information
Our local Facebook groups have become inundated with advertisers from all over the Hudson Valley. You may find it a bit overwhelming to locate any important information that you need to access later – for instance, Town Board meetings, events and shopping – as well as community related questions.
This site will not replace social media, community groups or anything that has already been built. But it will serve to help people find the information they seek about local issues and matters, that may help you to make better informed choices.
We will also run a supplemental website, Rockland Shopping – which will also offer the ability for our local establishments to post their awesome products and services in a location that is easy to find, and is great for their search engine rankings. Trust me – we know. We’ve been doing that sort of thing since 2007.
3. Stories of Local Retailers, Artisans and Creators
Here’s where it really gets fun.
Yesterday, as I was returning from Tomkins Cove to meet up with one of our favorite local companies, Dana Pest Control – I noticed on the way back that a new restaurant opened up! I was in the car, so I didn’t even have time to check out the name of the store.
So, we’ll be going back there in coming weeks to do a future interview and spotlight, which will also be posted to our podcast/livestream, AM Rockland News.
Let’s face it. A lot of things that happen in a small Town are indeed newsworthy. However, the big news agencies around here don’t have time to post it, even though it is likely very interesting.
THANK YOU TO OUR MANY SUPPORTERS
This website is supported by local retailers and businesses, many of who I know since I started by first company Rockland Web Design in 2007. I’d like to thank them from the bottom of my heart for all their support of our wild business adventures over the years (that have resulted in thousands of more customers for each of these fine companies):
Conclusion
We’re not in a rush to post 8000 things on this website. At the ripe old age of 50, I’ve decided to let the chickens come home to roost some more, by organize what we’ve already built over the years.
We always aim at first for simplicity first. But there will be much more to come in future months.
If you have any questions or would like to participate in Stony Point News in some capacity, please fill out the form below. Thanks and have a great week! Hope to see you at the Stony Point Seals Plunge on Feb 8, 2026!
Thanks.
Tom Ossa is a local entrepreneur, businessman, musician and owner of Rockland News Inc., Rockland Web Design Inc., and Rockland Music Fest. He lives in Stony Point with his wife and very large dog, and has been a resident since 1990, except for a brief 2-year vacation in Highland Falls, NY.
Ossa’s Grandfather – Thomas Avenia owned the Bicycle Store in West Haverstraw NY for many years on Route 9W, and after his passing, was run by him and his Mother for nearly 8 years. Ossa later graduated from Ramapo College, and currently sits on the Workforce Development Board of Rockland County and the Rockland Chamber Alliance.
Stony Point, NY — The Town of Stony Point held its first board meeting of 2026 at the Patriot Hills Community Center, opening with moments of reflection and remembrance and transitioning into a full agenda centered on governance, planning, and community engagement.
Watch Town Board Meeting
Honoring Community Members The meeting began with tributes to two beloved residents: Lucy Nix, a long-time community supporter and Rockland County Sheriff’s Department employee, and Leonard Conklin, a Navy veteran and lifelong contributor to Stony Point’s civic life.
Reorganization of Town Government As the reorganization meeting, the board passed a series of procedural motions including setting the 2026 meeting schedule, confirming official banks and newspapers, and appointing or reappointing key personnel such as planning, zoning, and assessment board members, town historian, registrar officials, and marriage officers.
Community Communication and Transparency New Town Supervisor Amy Conklin-Stamm announced new measures to improve transparency, including the launch of a town YouTube channel for meeting recordings, active use of Instagram and Facebook, and the continuation of the Stony Point Dispatch newsletter. Residents are encouraged to sign up for email alerts and updates.
Upcoming Infrastructure and Beautification Projects The long-awaited 9W streetscape improvements are set to begin this year. Preliminary plans include sidewalk repairs, new landscaping, pocket park upgrades, and decorative lighting. Community input will be solicited to shape final designs.
Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary Plans are underway for a town-wide celebration marking the nation’s 250th birthday, including a community carnival and the potential installation of an 80-foot flagpole as a lasting monument.
Public Safety and Community Events Police Chief presented December’s crime and activity report, highlighting strong community involvement in events like the holiday parade and senior breakfast. The board also approved the Chief’s administrative reports.
Property Maintenance Enforcement The board addressed multiple property maintenance violations, ultimately approving town-led cleanups at several locations due to ongoing issues with trash and debris. Town officials emphasized maintaining neighborhood standards as a top priority.
Town Operations and Contracts The board approved several motions related to municipal operations, including engineering proposals for wastewater upgrades, energy contract renewals, and web system maintenance agreements. A public hearing was also scheduled for a sewer extension project.
Civic Engagement Continues Supervisor announced plans to continue community engagement events like “Coffee with the Supervisor” and shared news of attending a state-level training conference in Albany to better serve in the new role.
Stony Point, NY — The Town of Stony Point held its first board meeting of 2026 at the Patriot Hills Community Center, opening with moments of reflection and remembrance and transitioning into a full agenda centered on governance, planning, and community engagement.
Watch Town Board Meeting
Honoring Community Members The meeting began with tributes to two beloved residents: Lucy Nix, a long-time community supporter and Rockland County Sheriff’s Department employee, and Leonard Conklin, a Navy veteran and lifelong contributor to Stony Point’s civic life.
Reorganization of Town Government As the reorganization meeting, the board passed a series of procedural motions including setting the 2026 meeting schedule, confirming official banks and newspapers, and appointing or reappointing key personnel such as planning, zoning, and assessment board members, town historian, registrar officials, and marriage officers.
Community Communication and Transparency New Town Supervisor Amy Conklin-Stamm announced new measures to improve transparency, including the launch of a town YouTube channel for meeting recordings, active use of Instagram and Facebook, and the continuation of the Stony Point Dispatch newsletter. Residents are encouraged to sign up for email alerts and updates.
Upcoming Infrastructure and Beautification Projects The long-awaited 9W streetscape improvements are set to begin this year. Preliminary plans include sidewalk repairs, new landscaping, pocket park upgrades, and decorative lighting. Community input will be solicited to shape final designs.
Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary Plans are underway for a town-wide celebration marking the nation’s 250th birthday, including a community carnival and the potential installation of an 80-foot flagpole as a lasting monument.
Public Safety and Community Events Police Chief presented December’s crime and activity report, highlighting strong community involvement in events like the holiday parade and senior breakfast. The board also approved the Chief’s administrative reports.
Property Maintenance Enforcement The board addressed multiple property maintenance violations, ultimately approving town-led cleanups at several locations due to ongoing issues with trash and debris. Town officials emphasized maintaining neighborhood standards as a top priority.
Town Operations and Contracts The board approved several motions related to municipal operations, including engineering proposals for wastewater upgrades, energy contract renewals, and web system maintenance agreements. A public hearing was also scheduled for a sewer extension project.
Civic Engagement Continues Supervisor announced plans to continue community engagement events like “Coffee with the Supervisor” and shared news of attending a state-level training conference in Albany to better serve in the new role.
STONY POINT, N.Y. — The Town of Stony Point will open the new year with its first Town Board meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, providing residents an early opportunity to engage with local officials and learn about issues expected to shape the months ahead.
The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Senior and Community Center at Patriot Hills, located at 19 Clubhouse Lane. Town Board meetings are open to the public and typically include discussions on municipal operations, upcoming projects, and matters of community interest.
Residents who wish to review the meeting agenda in advance can find it on the town’s recently updated website. Officials noted that the town’s web address has changed and encouraged residents to update any saved bookmarks to ensure continued access to public information.
In addition to its website, the Town of Stony Point continues to expand its online presence, using social media platforms to share announcements, meeting updates, and other town-related news. Residents can follow the town on Facebook and its newly launched Instagram account for current happenings and community information.
More details about the meeting and future Town Board sessions are available through the town’s official online channels.
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Clarkstown Begins 2026 with Swearing-In Ceremony and Major Sidewalk Expansion Grant
The Town of Clarkstown launched the new year with its annual swearing-in ceremony at Town Hall. Re-elected Supervisor George Hoehmann took the oath of office alongside Councilmembers John Valentino, Michael Graziano, Donald Franchino, and Bob Axelrod—not to be confused with the television character of the same name. Highway Superintendent Bob Malone and Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wall were also sworn in.
The event featured musical performances by the Clarkstown South High School Troubadours and invocations from local clergy.
In a significant infrastructure development, Clarkstown was awarded nearly $1.6 million through New York State’s Climate Smart Communities Program. The funds will be used to expand sidewalks in the Nanuet Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zone, enhancing walkability and connecting over 2,500 homes to key community resources like schools, the public library, and the train station. Supervisor Hoehmann emphasized that the investment supports smart growth and improved pedestrian safety.
Clarkstown also marked January 9th as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, honoring Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker and the department for maintaining the town’s status as one of the safest in the nation.
Orangetown Maintains Fiscal Health, Plans for 250th U.S. Anniversary Celebration
Supervisor Theresa M. Kenny delivered the State of the Town address during Orangetown’s 2025 reorganization meeting. She reported a perfect 0.0 fiscal stress score and a strong AA2 bond rating, the highest in Rockland County. The 2026 budget remained below the state’s 2% tax cap, preserving a healthy fund balance of $29.8 million.
Kenny outlined ongoing efforts to relieve the tax burden and attract new businesses while also highlighting strategic land acquisitions. Orangetown recently secured 6.2 acres of Hudson River waterfront in South Nyack for future passive park development.
Additional infrastructure plans for 2026 include pedestrian safety upgrades, new traffic signals, and water stations along the rail trail. The town will also rename the OMM Soccer Complex to honor Dennis Troy for his public service. Major events are planned for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, including a July 4th parade and festival led by the Orangetown USA 250 Celebration Committee.
Nyack Launches Whimsical Downtown Shopping and Dining Guide
The Village of Nyack introduced a vibrant new downtown guide featuring an artist-designed map by Sam Wedelik. The guide segments Nyack into five unique business districts: Main Street, Broadway, SoBro (South Broadway), Franklin Street, and Upper Main. Each is color-coded for clarity and easy navigation.
The printed and digital guide includes a business directory grouped into 14 product and service categories, offering an intuitive way for residents and visitors to explore local restaurants, boutiques, and amenities. Regular updates will reflect business changes.
The Nyack Business Council reminded members of their virtual meeting schedule, though a recently publicized date appears to have been for a past session.
Suffern Highlights Community Events and Local Business Support
Suffern Mayor Michael F. Curley issued seasonal well-wishes while urging residents to support local shops and restaurants during the winter months. He specifically encouraged continued patronage of the historic Lafayette Theater.
Upcoming community events include a Senior Valentine’s Day Luncheon on February 13 from 12–2 p.m. at the Suffern Community Center, featuring food and dancing. Free fitness classes such as chair yoga and “stay fit” sessions are also scheduled to begin January 12.
The community recently celebrated the 40th anniversary screening of Labyrinth, which took place from January 9–11.
New Liquor Law Offers Relief for Bars and Restaurants
Senator James Skoufis co-sponsored a new “retail-to-retail” law allowing bars and restaurants to directly purchase limited quantities of liquor and wine—up to six bottles per week—from local liquor stores. Previously, establishments were restricted to distributor deliveries, which often involved surcharges and logistical delays.
The new law is designed to reduce supply chain burdens, especially during peak demand periods. It takes effect on March 5, 2026.
Rockland Grand Jury Issues 10 Indictments in Final 2025 Term
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh announced that the 13th and final grand jury of 2025 returned 10 indictments, concluding a term that ran from December 12 through January 8. Charges span serious offenses including multiple counts of rape, weapons possession, burglary, DWI, and failure to register as a sex offender.
Walsh affirmed his office’s commitment to pursuing justice swiftly and in accordance with state law, while also reminding the public that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Spotlight Interview: Joe Call Discusses Financial Fallout from Bowline Power Plant
At approximately 10:30 a.m., AM Rockland News welcomed Joe Call of North Rockland to discuss the decades-long financial impacts of the Bowline Power Plant on local taxpayers.
Call provided a thorough historical overview, noting that the facility once generated significant tax revenue until the plant’s operators—originally Orange & Rockland—began grieving their taxes around 1999. The eventual result was a $330 million tax settlement, forcing the North Rockland Central School District to issue a 30-year bond. This burden, Call explained, shifted nearly $48 million in lost annual revenue onto residential taxpayers.
Bowline now operates as a peaker plant, functioning only during periods of high electricity demand. Despite running only about 67 days per year, the plant can generate up to $4 million per day when active and still receives standby payments while idle. Call noted that even during downtime, the facility earns potentially $150,000 or more per day through capacity payments.
He raised concerns over tax fairness and transparency, especially given the plant’s continued profitability and the transfer of land parcels to local governments, which removed those assets from the tax rolls. Call also referenced a recent $100 million mortgage filing by the plant’s corporate successor, Bowline LLC.
“This is a state-level issue,” Call emphasized, urging New York’s senators and assemblymembers to pursue equitable revenue solutions for host communities of power plants across the state. “These issues are replicated statewide, and municipalities often don’t have the leverage to fight back.”
The segment concluded with a broader reflection on local government accountability and the need for public vigilance in protecting community resources.
For more interviews and in-depth local coverage, tune in to AM Rockland News weekday mornings. Tomorrow’s show will spotlight developments in government and business.
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Yaboo Fence Co.
Dana Pest Control
EZ Temp – Hackensack NJ
Kobe Sushi – Jazz music lounge, music on Wednesdays and Saturday nights
Susan Bova, Coldwell Banker Realty
Lauren-Molino Muller, Howard Hanna Rand Realty
Holeshot Bagels – Haverstraw NY 9W
99Signs – A business without a sign…is a sign of no business!
Stony Point Town Hall
