FACILITY NOTES

          In Charlotte, city officials "are negotiating to hire"
     MN-based CSL Int'l arena consultant Craig Skiem, who's
     worked with other cities such as Dallas, Orlando and Denver.
     Final negotiations remain on a consultant fee and while a
     sum of $10,000 was suggested by the New Arena Committee to
     retain Skiem's services, the committee "expects" to decide
     today what the exact fee will be (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 1/27).
     ...The Pittsburgh Planning Commission "moved forward" on
     plans for new baseball and football facilities "despite
     ongoing uncertainty in Harrisburg over stadium funding." The
     panel approved zoning and design changes for the Pirates'
     proposed $228M PNC Park if the state Legislature provides
     the "necessary funding."  The Commission also approved the
     demolition of a warehouse located on the site of the
     Steelers' proposed $233M stadium (POST-GAZETTE, 1/27).