BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – The City Lights shopping center hasn’t even broken ground over the old abandoned footprint of East Hills Mall, but northeast Bakersfield appears to be unanimous in its excited anticipation. At least that’s what we found in our mini-survey.
You have to look pretty hard to find indications that work has actually started on the City Lights commercial project in northeast Bakersfield. But finding signs of enthusiasm? That’s pretty easy.
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The 36-acre property adjacent to the south side of Highway 178, between Bernard and Oswell streets, is still just fenced-off weeds and mounds of dirt — but northeast Bakersfield residents know what’s coming to their underserved part of town, and they’re ready for it.
“I think it’s super cool,” said barista Madison Mooney. “I think it’s going to bring a lot of business to the area and I think it’s going to amplify it in a way where people will feel excited to shop around here. They’re not going to travel to other parts of town, so they’ll be able to shop where they live, which I like.”…