Our Take: Seminole Gardens

Seminole Gardens

Jonkevious Carey was murdered in broad daylight at the Seminole Gardens complex on W. 5th Street. The three perpetrators, one of whom lived in the apartments, were quickly apprehended by Sanford Police.

Police Chief Cecil Smith said, “Today’s events led to a senseless death committed by individuals who apparently had no respect for those within our community. At some point, we as a community must say enough is enough, and come together to put a stop to these tragedies.”

Chief, perhaps the time is now. You, the City Manager, Mayor, and District Commissioner need to take the bull by the horns and clean up 1600 W. 5th St., better known as Seminole Gardens, the only housing project left in Sanford.

Before this incident, not far away, Mr. Kim was gunned down while leaving his store.

How many have been shot and killed in the Goldsboro area in the last few years?   Three? five? eight? It’s hard to keep up with the numbers.

Chief, you know how many criminals live in this isolated, out of sight, out of mind location. Show the City leaders the figures, show how much time and resources the police have to spend in the area. Show that not only are they committing mayhem among themselves, but also being a plague on the body politic by shoplifting, thievery, drug trafficking, stolen cars, etc.

The complex is owned by Seminole Urban Holdings, LLC, c/o Lilac Group, P O Box 479, Monroe, N.Y., 10949. The Lilac Group spokesman is Israel Gross, a resident of Kiryas Joel, N.Y.

Sanford suffers every time the TV camera trucks are staked out and the helicopters are circling overhead.

Goldsboro suffers even more.

The City has the power to declare the place a public nuisance and shut it down.

Chief, give the Mayor and the City Commission the ammo to get the job done.