BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — City Lights developers are seeking city leaders’ approval Wednesday on a final map for the highly anticipated east Bakersfield project, but a separate deadline would come with it.

City Lights is set to be in the vacant lot on Mall View Road between Oswell Street and Mount Vernon Avenue. The new development aims to replace the East Hills Mall years after its demolition.

Developers based in Los Angeles bought the 36-acre for $7.2 million in June of 2021.

Developers said while City Lights would not have a residential component, it is expected to enhance the area of east Bakersfield and bring in more traffic by providing various services.

The city required certain improvements in and adjacent to the project site, such as streets, sewer, walls, storm drain improvements and more, according to the Bakersfield City Council meeting agenda for Wednesday.

The developer, ZDI East Hills, has submitted its final tract map to the city for approval, a proposed agreement said. A final map is needed to subdivide a land into parcels.

The map seeks to subdivide the site into 11 parcels.

Because the required improvements weren’t completed by the time the developer wanted to record a final map, the developer has to enter into an agreement with the city.

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Under this agreement, the developer would need to complete all the required improvement works within one year of the signing date, the agenda said.

The list of tenants planning to join the shopping center has not been confirmed as of yet.

The City Council is slated to approve the final map and agreement with East Hills during its meeting at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 1501 Truxtun Ave.

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