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.
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.
Kathy Durick, a local resident, said she heard talk of new construction for some time but remained skeptical until recently…