[1.6.1] No longer can build Android package after Android-studio update

GitHub issue filed: https://github.com/meteor/meteor/issues/9746

Same code build just fine on iOS, but on Android it build local app, but breaks when building the apk:

   FAILED\n35 actionable tasks: 33 executed, 2 up-to-date\n',
   code: 1 } 'Error:
   /home/mark/store/projects/alacar-cya/.meteor/local/cordova-build/platforms/android/gradlew:
   Command failed with exit code 1 Error

Tried on a brand new install (Arch Linux) but received the exact same error.

Any ideas?