There is renewed hope for an area that has seen more than its fair share of problems. The Converse City Council just approved annexation plans that will triple the size of the city over the next 16 years.
Part of that expansion includes the addition of troubled neighborhoods like The Glen and Camelot.
John Garcia lives in The Glen and sees the mess every day.
"There are a lot of homes that need repair, there are a lot of good neighbors still, and there are a few bad apples," said Garcia, who added that neighbors are fed up with the crime and poor living conditions in The Glen.
He says many problems could be resolved if street lights were added.
"The roads are dark, the neighborhood is dark," Garcia said.
"I was here in the mid-80's, late 80's. The Glen and Camelot were very nice areas," Converse Mayor Al Suarez said.
Mayor Suarez added that his city has worked for more than a decade to come up with a solution that will restore the good 'ol days of The Glen and Camelot.
"My police chief is pleading for us to take The Glen and Camelot areas because a lot of the issues that happen in there spill over into the city," Mayor Suarez said.
Annexation is a game changer for neighborhoods like The Glen that have been neglected for years.
"A plan like this will give us an opportunity to go in and manage it and provide services to some of the unincorporated areas that never had quality services: police, fire, code compliance," Mayor Suarez noted.
The Mayor also says that revenue generated from new business in areas near I-10 that are being annexed will help pay for the improvements without raising taxes for current residents.
Garcia says that the city can't come soon enough.
"The people here really need the help," Garcia said.
Mayor Suarez said that, while this entire project will take 16 years to complete, The Glen should be part of Converse in next three years.