PORTLAND — Upcoming meetings will gather public input to help create plans for the future of the India Street and Libbytown neighborhoods.

Residents are invited to share their thoughts about the India Street neighborhood at an open house Saturday, from 12:30-5:30 p.m., at the Maine Jewish Museum, 267 Congress St.

The open house is one of the first steps in an initiative for the area led by Sustain Southern Maine, a regional planning project.

Announced in January, the project will look at ways to attract residential and commercial growth to a 15-block portion of the neighborhood, while preserving its character and livability, according to a City Hall press release.

Sustain Southern Maine has selected the India Street neighborhood as one of 10 “Center of Opportunity” study areas in the region. India Street’s input and plans will be used for more detailed city planning efforts and to help guide other growing neighborhoods.

The Libbytown area will be the focus of a meeting on Friday, March 22. City staff and the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System are asking business owners to provide feedback on proposed traffic flow changes in the neighborhood.

The changes, which come out of a study begun last November with funds from the Federal Highway Administration, are designed to improve transportation and livability in the area, according to a City Hall press release.

The changes would include altering traffic routing on Congress and Park streets, as well as adjustments to Interstate 295 interchange ramps.

The meeting is scheduled for 8:15 a.m., at PelotonLabs, 795 Congress St.

William Hall can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 106 or whall@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @hallwilliam4.