MORENO VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- From an empty lot to a city center, Moreno Valley just greenlit a project 40 years in the making.

Long-time resident Evelyn Spencer has lived in Moreno Valley since before the city was even incorporated, and says it's long overdue.

"We could use some restaurants closer here to us, and some shopping, but I don't drive much," Spencer said. "So, it would be nice for me. I could just walk across the street."

On Tuesday, the city council voted in favor of the project that will transform the dusty 70-acre lot into a vibrant downtown district.

The city bought the land back in 1985 with plans for the lot never quite making the cut... until now.

The city partnered with the Lewis Acquisition Company to build the development, which will include:

Up to 800 reside

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