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County Hosts Third Annual Housing Forum April 25 at Rockland County Fire Training Center
Rockland County will hold its third annual Rockland County Housing Forum on April 25th, geared to developers, state and county agencies, planning and legal experts, and others to explore ways to deal with Rockland County’s housing shortage, particularly affordable housing.
The event will include a keynote speech from Commissioner/CEO RuthAnne Visnauskas of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Panel topics include:
- Brownfields 101 – A case study and guidance from NJIT, NYS DEC, NYS DOS and Kearney Realty and Development Group
- Lead Hazard Remediation and the NYS Rental Registry – A presentation by NYS DOH, NYS HCR and the County’s Health Department on this new program/initiative
- Grayfields – Adaptive Reuse of Underutilized Spaces – Featuring Pattern for Progress and Cuddy & Feder LLP
- The Current State of Fair Housing – 1.5 CLE credits presented by NYS HCR and NYS Division of Human Rights
- Federal and State Housing Initiatives – Presented by NYU’s Furman Center
- Housing and the Rockland County Comprehensive Plan – A session with BFJ Planning, the firm leading “Envision Rockland,” an update to the County’s Comprehensive Plan
The forum coincides with Fair Housing Month and Community Development Week.
Community Development Block Grant funding has existed since 1975 to provide local governments with resources to develop viable communities by providing affordable housing and expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income levels.
When: Friday, April 25th from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Rockland County Fire Training Center, 35 Firemen’s Memorial Drive, Pomona, NY
Who Should Attend: Developers, Real Estate Professionals, Municipal and Community Leaders, Not-For-Profits.
Space is limited. Pre-registration is required via this link.
Questions: Contact the County at RCOCD@co.rockland.ny.us
STAC Celebrates Scholars, Leaders, Faculty At 2025 Honors Convocation
St. Thomas Aquinas College celebrated its community of scholars, leaders, and dedicated faculty at its 2025 Honors Convocation on April 8. The annual event honors academic excellence, leadership, and service—cornerstones of the College’s mission.
More than 200 students were recognized for outstanding academic achievements, including recipients of the prestigious Distinguished Dean’s List. The ceremony also included inductions into 14 academic honor societies, as well as the presentation of select awards for extraordinary student accomplishment.
“As a community of scholars, we come together each year to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students—their intellectual curiosity, leadership, perseverance, and commitment to service,” said St. Thomas Aquinas College President Ken Daly. “Honors Convocation reflects the heart of who we are as a college: a place where students are supported, challenged, and celebrated by faculty and staff who are deeply invested in their success. We are honored to welcome Dr. Barbara Mistick as our keynote speaker—a fitting addition to a day that celebrates the power of education to transform lives.”
The College also honored the legacies of two long-serving academic leaders as they prepare for retirement: Dr. Meenakshi Gajira, Dean of the School of Education, and Professor Michael J. Murphy, Dean of the School of Business, who were named Faculty Emeriti in recognition of outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and enduring impact on the college community.
“Deans Gajira and Murphy have helped shape the academic core of our institution—mentoring generations of students, launching innovative programs, and cultivating vibrant learning environments,” said Daly. “Being named Faculty Emeriti is a fitting tribute to their exceptional service. Their legacy will continue to resonate across our campus for years to come, and we are deeply grateful for their leadership.”
Dr. Barbara Mistick, President of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service for contributions to the higher education landscape.
Since 2019, Dr. Mistick has led the NAICU, playing a pivotal role in helping to increase the Pell Grant award for eligible students and ensuring equitable distribution of $77 billion in Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds to private, nonprofit institutions. The Pell Grant is critically important to St. Thomas Aquinas College, where 40 percent of students are eligible.
Under Dr. Mistick’s leadership, the NAICU also released its first national economic impact report, Private, Nonprofit Higher Education: Shaping Lives and Anchoring Communities, which in 2024 revealed the sector’s $652 billion contribution to the U.S. economy and its support of 3.4 million jobs.
With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Mistick previously served as President of Wilson College—where she earned the title of President Emerita—and held leadership roles with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College, and multiple national businesses.
Nyack Chamber of Commerce Names Bill Batson Exec. Director
The Board of Directors of the Nyack Chamber of Commerce has named long-time Nyack Farmers Market Manager Bill Batson Executive Director of the 68-year-old 501(C)(6) organization.
“Bill joined us in 2011 as the artist-in-residence of our farmers market,” said Nyack Chamber of Commerce President Roger Cohen. “Through the years, he has continued to share his creativity and initiative. Playing various roles, including marketing manager and farmers market manager, Bill has continued to help the Nyack Chamber board find new ways to help improve the business climate for our village. Bill has an encyclopedic knowledge of Nyack and knows almost everyone in the village.”
The Nyack Chamber of Commerce also welcomed two new directors: Owner of Crystal on Rocks, Kim O’Leary and Wright Bros. Realty Associate Broker Kim-Adele Rosner.
“Nyack has been the home to my family for generations,” said Batson. “I am eager to have this opportunity to work with our board and chamber members to implement programs that will be beneficial to the entire community”.
The Nyack Chamber of Commerce operates programs that support local small business and attract visitors to the village including:
- The year-round outdoor Nyack Farmers Market, celebrating its 30th year of operation in 2025.
- SpringFest on April 13 and SeptemberFest on September 7th bring tens of thousands of shoppers to Nyack each your. This year’s SpringFest will include a special appearance by Cohered and Cambria, an internationally renowned rock band that has deep roots in Nyack.
- An exotic car night where dozens of luxury vehicles line Main Street and families spend a beautiful summer evening enjoying the engineering and elegance.
- Networking Socials for members to interact and compare notes and collaborate. These gatherings are held at local restaurants, businesses and cultural institutions.
- A holiday lights program which brings cheer and song celebration during the winter months.
- Now in its 36th year, the Nyack Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade is known as the best small town Halloween Parade in America.
“Bill is well known as a small arts business owner and active member of Nyack’s nonprofit community. Having his organizing skill and experience at the disposal of the Chamber of Commerce is great news for Nyack,” said Village of Nyack Mayor Joe Rand.
