CALM

The Coalition of Advocates for Lake Merritt (CALM) is an all-volunteer group of Oakland residents, professionals, and activists focused on protecting and improving the environs at Lake Merritt and preserving its surrounding parks and historic neighborhoods. CALM has been active in Oakland since 2001 when the City of Oakland offered to sell park land on 12th Street at the south end of Lake Merritt for private development. Cathedral

As an alternative to selling park land, CALM submitted a community-based proposal to remove traffic lanes and reclaim park land at 12th Street. The proposal was eventually accepted by the City and became part of the Lake Merritt Master Plan. Lake Merritt Master Plan Soon after, Measure DD was placed on the ballot by the Oakland City Council and included the CALM plan. Measure DD passed by a margin of 80% - 20% in 2002 and has already funded numerous restoration and reclaimation projects throughout Oakland, and will reclaim park land at Lake Merritt and reconnect it to the Lake. Measure DD

This blog deals with the City of Oakland's 2008 initiative to rezone the Central Business District (CBD). Working within this rezoning process, CALM's membership and supporters are providing specific proposals to preserve the historic buildings, social fabric, park land, and open space of the Gold Coast neighborhood of the CBD. CBD Rezoning Map