Do you live, work, visit or attend school within a half mile of the Lake Merritt BART station? Do you want to help shape the area's land use, building types, traffic, BART station, landscaping or public space?

Your chance is fast approaching.

Read more from a city of Oakland announcement:

• What kind of improvements will make it easier and more pleasant to travel to and around the neighborhood? As the area develops, what would make it safer?
• What kinds of businesses and community services are needed or should be expanded? Where should these be located?
• Where would you like to see parks, recreational centers and other gathering places? What should these spaces be like?

With a grant from the regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission (which, coincidentally, is headquartered in the project area), the city of Oakland is documenting a vision for the Lake Merritt area, called a Station Area Plan. This vision, informed by public meetings, will guide the city as it plan projects.

What does the city have in mind for this area?

• Make it easier for people to use non-motorized transportation, such as walking, biking, buses, BART, ridesharing and other options
• Reduce traffic to the area and the need for cars within the area
• Attract new housing, especially for low-income residents, as well as around the BART station
• Increase jobs in the area, and make it easier for people to get to these jobs
• Increase services and retail in the area
• Brainstorm new opportunities for recreation and open space

The city wants to create a plan that will make people excited about living and working around Lake Merritt BART. If neighbors show consensus on improving the neighborhood, that interest and support can easily attract new, positive development. That's why the city is asking current neighbors to share their advice, requests and suggestions at two public input sessions.

The first session will be this Saturday, Feb. 26, and will focus on the western half of the project area (roughly the area west of Fallon). The second session will be Saturday, March 5, and will focus on the eastern half of the project area (east of Madison). Both sessions will be at the Laney College Student Center, at 900 Fallon St., and begin at 9 a.m. After a brief open house, the sessions will run until 12:30 p.m. Light breakfast will be available both days.

Do you want Lake Merritt to have a bike station like Downtown Berkeley? Do you want to see historical buildings preserved? Do you want to see more litter picked up, more dog-friendly parks or more Zip Car lots? Do you live in the area, want to drive less and can explain what's stopping you?

Make your voice heard - the city of Oakland is listening!

These upcoming public meetings are at about the middle of the planning process. Since November 2009, consultants have been busy documenting the area in detail. The consultants will take what they hear in the public meetings and create an environmental impact report. The city expects the draft report in summer 2012, and the final report in late 2012.

To receive updates of all public workshops and hearings on the Lake Merritt Station Area Plan, email your contact information to the city and get added to the announcement mailing list.