Where is the update on a New Baltimore Arena?

In the link below, I discussed the four development teams that are in competition to build a New Baltimore Arena.

http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-baltimore-arena.html

Below is a link to an appearance I made on WNST 1570, where I argued that the City owes Ms. Janet Marie Smith, and should award the winning bid to Struever Bros.

(Discussion on the New Arena starts at the 2minute 45 second mark)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWSiTuW7h9g

My discussion on the development teams, was based on the announcement made by the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) in December 2008 on the status of their Request for Proposals (RFP). The BDC had in-fact requested two RFPs, one for the development teams, and one for a consultant to assist with financing and other aspects.

The BDC stated that twelve consultant teams responded to the Financial Consultant RFP. The decision was made to invite four finalists for interviews.

Those interviews were expected to be conducted by the Arena Advisory Panel in December with selection targeted in January 2009.

The consultant teams to be interviewed were:

Barrett Sports Group
This team includes Daniel Barrett and Joshua Cohen from Barrett Sports Group; Paul Jacobs from Jacobs Chase; John Hilkene and Paula Yancey from PC Sports; and Timothy Offtermatt from Wachovia Securities Economics

Research Associates
This team consists of William Owens, Patrick Phillips, Jeff Cohen, David Stone, and Rachel Perschetz from Economics Research Associates.

Smith Sports
This team incorporates Gregory Smith from Smith Sports; Phil Couture, Joe Briglia, Steven Edelson, Dan Polvere, and Cindy Kamradt from International Facilities Group (IFG); Stephen Goldsmith from CapitalSource; Edie Brown from Edie Brown & Associates; and James Poulson and Steven Allison from Ellerbe Becket.

Stafford Sports
This group includes Carl Hirsh, Richard Oriolo, and Frank Peditto from Stafford Sports; Robert Goldwater from The Goldwater Group; and Otis Warren, Jr. from The Otis Warren Group.


Mr. Jay Brodie, President of the BDC said in December that a decision to select one of the four development proposals was expected in mid-2009.

Well, it is now June. Where are we as a City with this?