The Selmont community continued its push Thursday to form a concerned citizens committee and discussed key issues affecting the area at a town hall meeting inside New Selmont Baptist Church. 

About two dozen area residents and a handful of the most prominent local elected officials showed up to discuss paving and placing lights on Old Montgomery Highway, reducing crime and a number of other issues.

“Don’t leave us out on this side of the river,” Selmont resident J.C. Hudson said. “We cannot improve without the help of the people in power.”

During discussion, Probate Judge Kim Ballard said the Dallas County commission is currently focused on paving a strip of road that includes Avenue A near Craig Field. Though, Ballard said county government is working to make multiple improvements to Old Montgomery Highway. He said the county plans to paint center-line stripes and place streetlights on Old Montgomery Highway in the coming months, but a paving project could be farther off, when costs are factored into the feasibility of the project.

Citizens also brought up crime and opposition to a proposed bar in the area. Selma Mayor George Evans and City Council President Corey Bowie were in attendance and noted opposition for when the license comes before the city council.  Citizens said the bar could lead to increased crime.

Evans said the best way for Selmont residents to address issues is to work together.

“Until we take back over our neighborhoods and streets, nothing is going to change,” Evans said.

Thursday’s town hall meeting wrapped up with discussion of a concerned citizens council which will meet for the first time on July 31.