ESDC announces second public information session, focused on arena design, but after public comment period has closed

Well, the Empire State Development Corporation won't renege completely on the promise, made publicly by former CEO Marisa Lago, to hold two community information sessions.

However, the second session, to be held in conjunction with Forest City Ratner and the Center for Architecture, will be "focused on the new arena design," the ESDC said in a press release issued today.

The meeting will be held at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Monday, September 14 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. (Yes, you should RSVP.)

Meaningless meeting

While the meeting might be intriguing, it's fairly meaningless. There are far more questions about the project than the arena itself and, given that the public comment period has closed, any issues raised in the session Monday can't be brought up before the ESDC board meets on September 17 to approve the plan.

Design review completed

ESDC also "announced that the preliminary review process for the new Barclays Center arena design has been completed. ESD staff has been working closely with the developer throughout the evolution of the arena design to ensure that it adheres to the design guidelines laid out in the MGPP. The design collaboration by Ellerbe Becket and SHoP Architects will debut later this morning."

The images and model of the design will be available for public viewing at Brooklyn Borough Hall beginning at 10 am on Monday, September 14.