BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Construction is underway on the City Lights development in East Bakersfield, built on the former site of East Hills Mall, and residents say the project is bringing a renewed sense of excitement to a community they describe as historically underserved.<\/p>\n
For years, the site sat as an empty lot after the mall closed. Now, with construction visible and progressing, neighbors and local leaders say the development represents long-overdue investment in the east side of the city.<\/p>\n
Kathy Durick, a local resident, said she heard talk of new construction for some time but remained skeptical until recently.<\/p>\n
“It’s about time because I’ve heard whispers for a while now, and I was like, yeah, like whatever, they’re going to start building again. Like construction always does, it takes a while. But I’m so excited that now it’s in progress and you can actually see it.”<\/p>\n
Confirmed tenants for City Lights include:<\/p>\n
Boot\u00a0BarnRossUlta\u00a0BeautyMarshallsHobby\u00a0LobbyFive\u00a0BelowSproutsMore<\/p>\n
Durick said she is particularly looking forward to having a Sprouts grocery store closer to home.<\/p>\n
“I’m excited for the Sprouts. I know there’s one on the other side of town, but I really enjoy a good grocery store and I think it’ll be nice to have that here and have that as an option for the East Hills residents.”<\/p>\n
City Councilman Andrae Gonzales, a longtime East Bakersfield resident, said the development addresses a pattern of unequal investment across the city.<\/p>\n
“In East Bakersfield, both from, the public infrastructure side to also the private sector side, we’ve seen a lot of new growth and development on the west side of town on the southwest side of town. New shopping centers, new residential development, but we’ve seen, a lack of investment. And some would even say a disinvestment in East Bakersfield. That’s very frustrating.”<\/p>\n
Gonzales said the project goes beyond retail, representing an opportunity to bring jobs, economic growth, and a renewed sense of community to the area. He also reflected on what East Hills Mall once meant to residents.<\/p>\n
“What folks often reminisce about is not where they got the $5 t-shirt or you know the sale on their jeans. What people reminisce about are the times they spent with their cousins on a Sunday afternoon.”<\/p>\n
Durick echoed that sense of momentum.<\/p>\n
“It’s so exciting to see things moving, the ball is rolling, you know.”<\/p>\n
I reached out to representatives for the City Lights development at Cushman & Wakefield for an update on the project but we have not heard back as of news time. The development is set to open in spring next year.<\/p>\n
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