By Speakin’ Out News Staff
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A summer curfew enacted across Huntsville’s public housing communities following two fatal shootings earlier this year remains firmly in place, and according to city housing officials, it has been a “great success.” Leaders with the Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA) told AL.com that the properties have become noticeably quieter, residents feel safer, and disturbances have decreased since the curfew began in June. However, HHA officials have not answered follow-up questions, such as what specific conditions would warrant lifting the restrictions or whether the curfew might be extended beyond its current end date of September 30, 2025.
🕘 Curfew Details Still in Effect
The curfew was implemented after two deadly shootings at the LR Patton public housing complex in May.
- May 25: 34-year-old Alexander Dominique Dennis Sr. was fatally shot.
- May 30: 21-year-old Tyrek Keshun Norris was killed in a second incident.
To restore peace and deter future violence, HHA enacted curfews across all city-managed housing sites:
- Sunday–Thursday: 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Friday–Saturday: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
The policy covers outdoor common areas, including porches, stairwells, courtyards, balconies, and parking lots. Noncompliance may result in warnings, fines, or lease violations.
“Most of the individuals involved in the violence weren’t even residents,” HHA Executive Director Antonio McGinnis told Rocket City Now in June. “We’re targeting that outside threat—not our community members.”
🛡️ Stronger Security Measures in Place
In tandem with the curfew, HHA has increased police patrols, enhanced lighting and surveillance systems, and reviewed site access protocols.
Speakin’ Out News reported Mr. McGinnis’ response to the curfew in its June 11th edition. “Our communities are not prisons. This is about protection, not punishment.”
At the LR Patton property, which bore the brunt of the spring violence, SWAT and anti-crime units have conducted proactive patrols while residents have reported an increase in visible law enforcement presence.
🏙️ Curfew Covers All Public Housing Sites
The curfew is in effect at every Huntsville Housing Authority-managed location, including:
- LR Patton
- Northwoods
- Sparkman Homes
- Todd Towers
- And multiple senior and family housing properties
Roughly 3,000 households are impacted. Residents were formally notified, and signage has been posted across properties.
🔎 Pilot Program, With Cautious Optimism
The curfew and accompanying security upgrades are part of what HHA calls a pilot safety initiative.
“This is not permanent,” said McGinnis, “but right now—it stays in place.”
Officials say they will evaluate safety outcomes and community feedback before deciding whether to extend, modify, or lift the restrictions after September 30.
🧭 Looking Ahead
While curfews often raise questions about personal freedom, many residents have quietly acknowledged the improved atmosphere. Whether it remains in place or evolves, the current program reflects a broader effort by the city to rebuild trust, restore peace, and ensure that public housing residents feel both respected and protected.
“We’re more likely to come to the council asking to add staff—not reduce it,” McGinnis said, reinforcing that the goal is to support residents, not surveil them.
As Huntsville continues to navigate complex challenges related to safety, equity, and public housing, the results of this summer may serve as a hopeful example of what can happen when community safety becomes a shared commitment.