Report on Lexington arena plans due early next year

Though disinclined to be tied down to deadlines, Lexington Mayor Jim Gray and his Arena, Arts and Entertainment District Task Force has set a goal of deciding on a plan for  a downtown basketball arena by early next year.

That deadline was part of a presentation for reporters on Monday.

But Gray noted that the process of exploring options  is a long way from nearing the finish line. “We’re at Step One or Two,” he said. “This is a project that will have 10 steps.”