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To be honest I don't live in the neighborhood, but my best friend lives in the artist's lofts right next to the artwork, and he's encouraged me to contribute a letter as well (not that I needed encouragement).
Since the artwork was put up the homeless people that usually sleep in the old doorway have been forced to vacate the spot and find other places to drink/sleep it off. There used to be between 5-10 people that would stay in that spot at any given time, they usually keep to themselves but at the same time they do nothing positive for the neighborhood, whereas the art piece brightens and enlivens the space that it occupies.
The person that's spearheading the initiative to take it down, doesn't live in the neighborhood and most likely will rarely see the effects of keeping or leaving the work. On the other hand I (as well as you, (I'm guessing)) am in that area all the time, and can see the positive reasons to leave it as is, until someone buys the building and decides to renovate it.
I'm in no way trying to belittle the plight of the homeless by writing this, but there are plenty of shelters for people to go to at night, and a doorway hardly constitutes as a home. The only reason someone decides to sleep outside is because they would rather sleep on the street drunk than sleep inside sober. The petitions are being accumulated now, and will be sent to the person that will finalize the decision to take down, or leave the work.
I'm writing here to generate concern for the subject and hopefully get some extra letters sent out to the right person. If you have any interest in this, please feel free to message me here, or write me at mcgowanm95@gmail.com. I will make sure your letters reach the appropriate source. I will write back with further information, as it is given to me.
