Selma Housing Authority takes over management of Jim Minor homes in Selmont

Big changes are coming to Jim Minor Garden Homes in Selmont.   

The Dallas County Commission and Selma Housing Authority announced on Monday an agreement for SHA to manage the apartment complex that has had troubles with crime, robberies, shootings, vandalism and noise.

A Selma High freshman was shot and died two weeks later at the development in early June.  

In a press conference, members of the Dallas County Commission, Dallas County Sheriff’s department and the Selma Housing Authority explained the changes to the residents that include increased law enforcement.  

“It’s a new day at Jim Minor homes,” Selma Housing Authority President and CEO Kennard Randolph told the residents. “We’re going to clean up Jim Minor Homes.”   

Randolph told the residents to be a part of the change by helping clean up the trash and the crime.  

“We are going to need your help. If you see something, say something. Too many people see crimes but don’t want to say anything.” He reassured everyone that if they report a crime, they will be safe doing so.  

Selma police will patrol the area during the day and Dallas County Sheriff deputies will patrol at night.   

“We’re going to be here at night when the creeps start creeping,” Sheriff Mike Granthum said, and residents applauded loudly. But Granthum warned residents they can’t be complacent when crime happens in front of them any longer.  

“Parents, if your kid walks in with a 30-inch TV and he’s only 15 years old and doesn’t work, I’m going to charge him and charge you too as an accessory,” he said. “All you hot mamas who want four of five boyfriends sitting on the porch raising hell and knocking the windows out, you’re going with them.”   

He also warned that if there is a car on the grass that has not moved, it will be towed. SHA has already given out notices to move derelict vehicles that must be moved or they will be towed.  

“People who want to live here and be comfortable have a right to do that, and right now people can’t sit on the porch, can’t even barbecue,” Granthum said. “And these kids outside with these guns, better keep them inside.”  

Selma Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Chairman Sean Vandiver told residents challenged residents to speak up to make change. The sheriff’s department and the officers at the Housing Authority “really need your help because you live here. You know who’s doing what. You know who’s shooting. You know who has the AK and who has the switch. So let us know so we can take them off the street.”  

Commissioner Connel Towns, who represents the neighborhood, gave his full support to the agreement and asked the residents to cooperate. “Everybody is on the same page for one accord, and that’s to get Jim Minor homes cleaned up.” He said this will not only clean up Jim Minor homes but will help clean up the whole community.  

The new policies are already in effect. Commission Chair and Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn said the county commission needed to get out of the business of managing apartment complexes.