A new HUD requirement means big changes for people who live in public housing across the city of Augusta. As of July 31st, no one will be able to smoke inside or outside of public housing residence.
HUD wants Public Housing Authorities to implement smoke-free policies as of July 31, 2018. The change, according to HUD, comes due to the increased risk of fire, maintenance costs and the known health effects of secondhand smoke. The Augusta Housing Authority's Resident Services Director Harden Oldfield says that the biggest problem will be changing the habit.
The Smoke-Free Policy will apply to employees, household members, guests and service persons too. No smoking will be allowed within 25 feet of public housing and administrative office buildings either.
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