BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The future City Lights Mall in east Bakersfield is taking shape, bringing renewed hope to a community that has long struggled to attract investment.
CSUB Professor of Economics, Richard Gearhart, highlighted the potential benefits of the development, stating, “Large projects like City Lights Mall are signs of economic growth.”
He noted that the mall could bring jobs, local spending, and better access to necessities for residents.
The mall is set to open on the site of the former East Hills Mall, which left a void in the community after its closure.
New investors have purchased the East Hills Mall location and plan to demolish the location. FILE KBAK/KBFX
A resident expressed relief at the new development, saying, “I’m kind of tired of driving all the way down to Valley Plaza, it’s gonna be real nice to have something close by.”
PREVIOUS REPORTING: New mall set to transform east Bakersfield
The project aims to create a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, with a Sprouts grocery store expected to be among the new additions.
Money FILE image (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Gearhart estimated that the mall could provide “maybe 500 to 1,000 more people having a steady paycheck,” injecting significant funds into the local economy.
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
As the development progresses, residents and economists alike are optimistic about the positive economic cycle it could create.