The Main and Clinton Development Corporation has signed-off on a concept for Renaissance Square's layout and exterior design. It has also given planners the go-ahead to start an environmental review.

But the support of one key board member comes with a catch.

The board includes County Executive Maggie Brooks, retiring Monroe Community College President Tom Flynn, RGRTA Executive Director Mark Aesch, and Mayor Bob Duffy.

Duffy wants an alternative design prepared in case project leaders cannot bridge a $55 million funding gap. The plan should combine the transit center and MCC portions of the project, he said, and leave the rest of the site open for private development.

Development of an alternate proposal "remains under discussion," says project spokesman Mike Power. But, he says, creating an alternate design right now would exceed the authority of the project's design teams.

"It would be an improper use of funds to do that immediately," he says. "If the designs need to be altered, they can be. But we haven't come to that point yet."

In December, the board will take a look at how much money has been raised for Renaissance Square and decide what can be built with it, Brooks said at the Main and Clinton meeting on Tuesday.

"The reality is if we get to a point in time where we can't build a theater, there has to be a plan B," Brooks said.

Duffy has also had the city's corporation counsel, Tom Richards, appointed as an officer of the Main and Clinton Development Corporation.