Artist Strips Facade Off Detroit Home, Leaves Blight Behind

DETROIT (AP) - Neighbors are unhappy about the shell of an abandoned Detroit home that's been sitting for months in the middle of a healthy block after an artist stripped the home's facade for an art display.

The Detroit Free Press reports that artist Ryan Mendoza assured neighbors that the rest of the home would be demolished immediately. But the partially deconstructed home, with its exposed beams, falling plaster and rubble, has been left standing for six months.

Neighbors argue that the blight left behind by the artist is worse than when the house was simply abandoned.

Though the City Council in December approved an emergency demolition order on the property, it has yet to request bids for the project.

Mendoza claims he paid a local businessman to demolish the home if the owner decides to go that route.

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