Painkiller addiction is a very serious topic in the US where 142 people die everyday from painkiller overdoses. Ease of access via generous prescription has exacerbated the problem.
This was not an unconsidered on the spot decision. The president had actually ordered a presidential commission to investigate the issue under the leadership of New Jersey's Republican Gov. Chris Christie. Calling a state of emergency was their recommendation.
The critical question is how and whether it will be funded to actually have a real impact.
A short lunchtime walk turned into a longer than expected stop at the Milton Community Centre to see the proposals for an affordable housing development off Fen Road in Milton.
The benefits of the proposal are 54 units of houses to buy and rent at affordable prices, with the offer targeted at those in Milton first. If not filled, the range extends to the nearby parishes. What's more, being developed by a not for profit housing association, the deal is that if a buyer then later wishes to sell their property to move on, it is sold back to the housing association at the market value. This way affordable housing for the community is not lost.
The disadvantages are that the site will be on a site with likely late Saxon to early mediaeval archaeology, as intimated by test trenches. Critically, the preliminary archaeological investigation strangely avoided investigating an area marked as former Manor ruins on maps from the turn of the 20th century. The developer has promised that a full archaeological investigation would be conducted on the site before construction as a sweetener. The other disadvantage, as a resident off Fen Road, is the initial construction traffic and the increased burden on the road once the development is completed.
Finished with an enjoyable evening at the monthly evening with German speaking friends.
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