Never mind all that stuff about postponing the North Shore casino's riverfront amphitheater and other amenities due to Don Barden's financial difficulties.

The city planning commission received confirmation yesterday that the proposed casino's amphitheater, brick promenade and boat slips would be available from year one, instead of postponed for three years, thanks to the intervention of Chicago billionaire Neil Bluhm and Walton Street Capital.

Mr. Barden said as much last week when he told the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board that Mr. Bluhm and associates would be taking a 75 percent stake in the casino. When Mr. Barden's PITG Gaming asked to defer those amenities to save money, the proposal was met with outcry from the Riverlife Task Force and city politicians.

Mr. Barden and Mr. Bluhm haven't finalized their deal, which has to be approved by the gaming board.

"We are very happy [that] the site amenities have been restored," said Riverlife attorney Cliff Levine. He pushed the planning commission, however, to seek more detail from the developer on the exact nature of the amenities and the lighting fixtures, so that the casino can then be held to those specific details.

The planning commission neither approved nor denied the amenities plan, as yesterday's was an informational hearing that didn't require a vote.

Earlier in the day, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl met with reporters to discuss, among other topics, his frustration with the casino situation and his communications with the gaming control board.

"It is growing increasingly frustrating to me to be asked questions [about] this, not hearing from the gaming control board. We need to make sure that [Mr. Bluhm's] group is capable, and is going to live up to the commitments that have been made," he said, listing the promise to help fund a new Penguins arena and backing for North Side and Hill District community groups.

By the afternoon, Mr. Ravenstahl had talked with the gaming board's executive staff, his office said in a statement.

"During our brief telephone conversation, I expressed the need for an immediate face-to-face meeting on this very serious matter concerning the future of our city. These issues need to be addressed in person and as part of a larger discussion on what is right for Pittsburgh residents."