Ren Square supporters: another reason to worry and, perhaps, a reason to rejoice.

First, the good news: adopting a much softer tone than he has in recent months, Mayor Bob Duffy says landing state funds for the theater component of the project will be difficult, but not impossible. Previously, Duffy had all but ruled that out.

But that might not even be necessary. Duffy says recent meetings with County Executive Maggie Brooks have convinced him that a great deal of the theater money can be raised privately.

"I sense that she has a renewed sense of confidence in the theater option," he says. "I think she can raise a substantial amount of private money."

The theater is estimated to cost $55 million to build. Project plans call for $10 million to come from private donations and the rest from the state. But Duffy says that Brooks can raise "far in excess" of $10 million, which would mean less dependence on the state for money.

"I think that may be the route that she goes," he says. "I think she clearly has had a strong degree of interest."

Now, the not-so-good news: An overview of Ren Square's operating plan should come out this week. What's remarkable is what the plan leaves out. Project spokesman Mike Power says it will not include expenses or revenues for the bus terminal or MCC. And it won't say who will own or run the theater.

The plan seems to contain very little new material and is mostly a rehash of old information.