South Oak Cliff Welcomes New Business

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - From being an eye sore to a welcoming sight is how one person describes the booming developments happening in a South Dallas neighborhood.

Members of the Kimball High School band helped kick off the grand opening of the Quick Trip in the Glenn Oaks area of South Oak Cliff this morning, near I-35E and Ledbetter.

Mayor Mike Rawlings and Dallas City Councilman Dwaine Caraway were among the many people there to cut the ribbon and be the first customers.

The new business symbolizes a significant change in a particular part of Oak Cliff that residents say was in dire need of change.

"It was terrible.  This was a terrible sight.  An eyesore with everything you do not want to think that you'd have to live around.  Broke down buses, 18-wheelers, pit bulls, drugs – you name it, prostitutes, all in this rural area," said Caraway.

Residents are excited by the changes.

"To look at it now, it's a totally different picture and it's upbeat. It just makes you feel better about the neighborhood," said Glen Oaks Crossing resident Bobby Bailey.

"It's probably one of the best-kept secrets in Dallas, Oak Cliff, South Dallas area. I think if people come out here and see what's going on, they would be encouraged to move to this area and live in this area, 'cause it has a lot to offer," said Dura Wilson from the Glen Oaks Crossing Homeowners Association.

This comes more than a year after a neighboring Walmart opened in the Glen Oaks crossing area, and more than a dozen stores will open there before the end of the year.