Here is an update from Councilwoman, Pat Kerigan on the changes for Lake Merritt

Planning for Future Development around Lake Merritt
City planning staff has initiated a Zoning Study for the perimeter of Lake Merritt at the request of Councilmember Nancy Nadel (District 3) and me. The purpose of the study is to refine the existing development guidelines for the area around the Lake. General policy guidelines and concepts currently exist in the City’s General Plan and Lake Merritt Master Plan, but more specificity would be helpful to make sure that future development enhances, rather than detracts from, the unique open space and recreational areas around Lake Merritt. We have sponsored two community meetings where participants have heard about the zoning tools available to the City to address issues including: access to sunlight, excessive shadows or wind, protection of important views to and from the Lake, compatibility with the visual character of existing neighborhoods surrounding the Lake, and protection of historic resources around the Lake, among other issues. Updated zoning would provide greater protection for public benefits and more certainty to potential developers. To that end, the next community meeting of the Zoning Study is expected to take place late summer or early fall at which time City Planning Staff will present alternatives. The entire process – including compliance with California Environmental Quality Act and public hearings before the Planning Commission and City council – is anticipated to be complete by June 2008. If you would like to review the materials developed by the City Planning staff, please go here. To make comments, please e-mail Marisa Arrona on Councilmember Nadel’s staff at arronam@oaklandnet.com with a copy of your comments to Jennie Gerard on my staff at jgerard@oaklandnet.com.