1. "Hamburg area becoming a hot spot in Lexington for senior communities"
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=0D0CB57BE7FF6D8A&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F1710A75E8B341A60
Description: This story describes how Hamburg, a popular area in my hometown with various shopping, entertainment, food, and the like, is becoming a hot spot for senior living developments. Some developers are hoping to change the zoning in some parts of the area so that developments may be built.
The problem: Although there are several of these communities within a five mile radius, there is still yet to be one that is right in the middle of it all since many senior citizens are reluctant to travel more than a short distance to things they want to do, creating a problem for them.
Who it affects: This affects senior citizens living in the area who wish to be closer to activities they'd like to do and live close to.
2. "Marijuana user - 'What am I to do? Go blind?'"
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=0D0CB57BE7FF6D8A&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F170C09C46D377850
Description: This story discusses how a middle-aged man in small town Kentucky is bound to a wheelchair and suffers from severe glaucoma as a result of a car accident in 1994, but he is able to greatly control his conditions through the use of marijuana. He says it keeps him from "flopping like a fish out of water" when he gets his painful spasms.
The problem: Kentucky is one of few remaining states to not legalize marijuana in broad terms-whether medicinally or recreationally, and many citizens are self-medicating themselves and risking arrest, as Kentucky has relatively strict marijuana laws. By lobbying the state government to legalize it, there would be a boost in the rural economies that have been struggling for decades, likely a huge decrease in drug-related arrests, and patients suffering from many conditions would find the relief they've been yearning for.
Who it affects: Strictly marijuana drug-offendors, farmers, and medical patients.
3. "Bell Court Condos feature high-end 'urban-industrial' units near historic district"
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=0D0CB57BE7FF6D8A&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F170966A13A5D15F8
Description: This article discusses how a building in the industrial area of Lexington whose roof caved in 2010 has been remodeled to house 14 high-end condo units with various amenities within and outside of the units.
The problem: These are to be high-end condos, and with the location it is in, it has the potential to be the "next big thing," but the area is not well-equipped enough to cater to these high end needs. The opportunity here would be to develop more shopping, restaurants, etc. near the historic district so that these residents may have the best of both worlds rather than being smack in the middle of businesses.
Who it affects: Those looking to retire in Lexington, executives looking to rent the units, and business owners in the area.
4. "UK engineering plans to add thousands of students"
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=0D0CB57BE7FF6D8A&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F170966A16CD4AB58
Description: This story delineates the University of Kentucky's ambitious goals to almost double their engineering school enrollment by 2025. They will need to hire 70 new faculty over the next five years and add more classrooms and dorms to campus.
The problem: While these goals are in reach, there will soon be a sort of shortage of UK housing because many students come from out of town, and even students who are from Lexington opt to live on or around campus as opposed to in their parents' home. With this, there is an opportunity to create more off-campus student housing. In Lexington, there is a sort of lack of "luxury" student housing, so this would be an ample time to put that into place.
Who it affects: All UK students and residents of Lexington who will be able to rent out their extra properties or buy new ones to accommodate more students.
5. "Investigating why many in Appalachia lack reliable, clean water"
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=0D0CB57BE7FF6D8A&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F1703789238480520
Description: This article goes in depth about interviews with residents of eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia and their struggle with obtaining clean water on a daily basis. It talks about how they gather water in jugs from springs and put buckets outside to collect rain water because they are afraid they won't have running water the next day.
The problem: These people are spending their lives worrying about how they will get water for the next day or days, and it is ridiculous in our developed economy. They are forced to buy bottled water, and I'm sure it is taking a toll on their hygiene, health, and wallets. The opportunity that exists here is distributing water filters that operate by gravity, similar to ones taken to third-world countries on mission trips.
Who it affects: All residents in Appalachia, and it should be something that everyone worries about!
Hi McKenna, I found your second article opportunity interesting. I think it is interesting to see how something so debated like legalizing marijuana can have such serious health implications for some people. Moreover I find it interesting that what is legal in one state can be illegal in another. I also found your 5th article intriguing as that is not the first time I have read about the lack of clean water, which I am surprised is still an issue in America. I think you did a good job on this blog post, very comprehensive list of local opportunities.
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ReplyDeleteHey Mckenna, I really thought your second article about the legalization of marijuana to be very interesting. I feel personally for this man that relies so heavily on marijuana to help reduce his stress and pain should be given the rights to use marijuana as ever he pleases. As long as he is using it for the right reason I don't see why anyone would have a problem with that whatsoever. Hopefully, Kentucky joins onboard with the growing change of America and allows for the legalization of marijuana.
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