They should have walked away from the uncertainty and let baseball take a two-year renewal from CBS for $120 million annually.

During that period, the board approved annual rent increases of 2 percent for one-year leases and 4 percent for two-year renewals.

With increasing ratings, the show received a two-year renewal through the 2010-11 season.

Such trade authority usually extends for as long as seven years, or five years with a two-year renewal.

The increases were 4 percent for one-year leases and 6 percent for two-year renewals, which were higher than the mayor had wanted.

The questions first appeared on last year's licensing form for both new applicants and those seeking two-year renewals.

The board did not change its increases on lofts of 4 percent for one-year leases and 7 percent for two-year renewals.

The compromise was a three-year agreement, with a review at the end of that period and an optional two-year renewal.

The last renewal form I received gave me the option of either signing a one- or two-year renewal with a "no painting" stipulation.

For two-year renewals, the rent board authorized a 1.5 percent increase.