Moratorium Also Blocks Sales Of Outlets The Slidell City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved a six-month ban on permits for new pain management clinics and forbade the transfer of ownership of clinics while the moratorium is in effect. The ordinance, by council member Pearl Williams, was seconded by the other eight council members. It comes after an emergency ban enacted last month at the request of law enforcement officials and others concerned about improperly prescribed painkillers. During the 180 days, city officials will study the clinics and consider possible regulations. The ordinance notes that the council may extend the moratorium "as it deems necessary." [continues 234 words]
Political opposition fueled by fears of a rise in crime apparently has doomed plans for a Slidell methadone clinic for addicts of heroin and other opiate drugs. City officials questioned the need for such a facility, and the owners of two proposed sites changed their minds about leasing their property for that purpose. Colonial Management Group of Orlando, Fla., which owns a small chain of substance-abuse treatment centers in three states, had looked first at a First Street building in Olde Towne and later at a medical office on Gateway Drive in east Slidell. [continues 443 words]
