Age and neglect have caught up with the once vibrant Historic Marine neighborhood on Fort Worth’s north side.

Crumbling or nonexistent sidewalks force residents to walk through streets, parking lots or grass. Plastic bags blow in the wind until they are snagged on chain link fences. Poor streetlights can make it treacherous to get around at night.

That is why the neighborhood is set to receive $3.8 million in improvements next year through the city’s annual Neighborhood Improvement Program. Stop Six, Ash Crescent, Northside, Como, Las Vegas Trail and Rosemont have been chosen in the past. New construction and a reduction in crime and poverty largely followed.

The city added 1,699 street lights, built 19,170 feet of sidewalk and removed 972.5 tons of trash from those neighborhoods, according to a report.

Historic Marine is bounded by Circle Park Boulevard on the west, Northwest 23rd Street on the north, the Trinity River on the east and Grand Avenue and North 10th Street on the south.

Next month, Neighborhood Services Manager Terrance Jones said his team will start to ask residents how they want to see the money spent. Options include fixing sidewalks and streets, picking up trash and adding street lights and police cameras.

Karolina Bettis has lived in the neighborhood for 19 years. She said the poor street lighting makes it difficult to see while you’re driving.

Anette Landeros, president of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, lives in the neighborhood and owns Casa Azul Coffee.

She said improvements to infrastructure could help bring more businesses to the area and also spur arts and cultural experiences at Marine Park.

“This is a very special place,” Landeros said. “In the ‘90s we had a lot of activities. President (Bill) Clinton campaigned here and Selena performed. This important place has come to a standstill.”

She said the improvements could bring back arts, music and other activities.

“We need a safe space where residents can enjoy events in their own neighborhood,” she said.

She added that improving sidewalks, adding street lights and picking up the trash will make people proud of their neighborhood and help to attract private investment.

When Landros walks from her office at the chamber to her coffee shop, she has to walk through grass lots, dodge jagged sidewalks and cross a parking lot.

“Encouraging pedestrian friendly neighborhoods encourages people to walk, too,” she said.

She also said that by spending this money in the neighborhood, it makes residents feel like they’re not forgotten and say “my sidewalks are important, too”

Adding police cameras could help prevent crime. Landeros said she has endured her share of thefts and vandalism at her coffee shop.

“It’s frustrating, especially as a business owner struggling to deal with these issues while inflation keeps rising,” she said.

In 2018, the city removed nearly 40 tons of trash, installed more than 80 street lights and demolished or repaired 17 buildings in Ash Crescent.

Marlena Jaso, vice president of the Northside Neighborhood Association, said improving walkability will improve public safety.

She said when people can walk down their street they get to know their neighbors, which adds a layer of safety.

Cameras will also help, she said.

“Cameras have been on the highest ranking improvement options in other Northside neighborhoods,” she said.