LYON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A letter from a township attorney revealed why the township says it cut down the iconic I-96 “Man in the City” sculpture, also known as the “orange man on the hill” sculpture.
The beloved landmark was cut down in early July. At the time, artist John Sauve told Local 4 it was the work of vandals. After the story aired, he received a letter informing him that it was the township that tore down the sculpture.
“The township actually sent me a letter saying no you’ve been telling everyone its vandalism, it was us,” Sauve told Local 4. “And I was like whoa, thanks for telling me.”
Sauve showed Local 4 a copy of the letter that included reasons for removing the sculpture. The letter said that the township had received complaints from residents who thought the sculpture was “inappropriate and frightening to their children.”
The letter also mentioned, “lights were added to the statue, which is located in close proximity to the airport.”
Sauve said he was never contacted about the sculpture’s removal prior to it being torn down.
An Aug. 6, 2024, letter sent by a township attorney states that one of the main reasons the sculpture was torn down because the stability of the ground beneath it had deteriorated.
The letter also indicated that the township is open to discuss a new location for the sculpture.
The letter can be read below:
“Lyon Township officials welcome and look forward to a collaborative and safe resolution concerning the sculpture that was donated to the township many years ago and which remains on township property.
“There are no imminent plans for the sculpture’s removal, so it is not a problem for a reasonable extension of time to discuss a new location for the sculpture. Since the sculpture belongs to the township, there will be further dialogue concerning an appropriate new location for it. The ground where the sculpture was located is a former landfill, donated to the township by BFI. The stability of the ground has deteriorated such that the baseball fields, tennis courts, bleachers, and concession stand which were formerly in Atchison Park were removed for public safety reasons. Though it has not been stated by your client or reported by the media, the removal of the sculpture in its present location was in large part due to the instability of the soil and the dangers those conditions represent to the public who visit it and to the township employees who must maintain it. If your client had identified himself when he came to the township offices and inquired about the sculpture on July 8, all of this could have been discussed with him. Be that as it may, we look forward to receiving your client’s input concerning a new location for the sculpture at his earliest convenience.
“Lyon Township appreciates and values the importance of public art, despite erroneous comments to the contrary.”
Rosati, Schultz, Joppich & Amtsbuechler, P.C. Debra A. Walling