We, the residents of the Metropolis apartments, fear our voices as members of the community are not heard.

While we love that pool events foster the growth of our community’s eclectic spirit, allowing us to meet our neighbors, and showcase our talents (whether it be music, art, or dance), the community does not solely live at these events. We also gather in units for band practice, courtyards to grill food for each other, as well as porches to talk about life and share a few drinks.

Many of us have chosen the Metropolis as our home for several years, and for those who are relatively new to the community, we often choose to stay because of our neighbors, the people who make the Metropolis such a special and unique place.

 We have noticed over the years that, we are the ones largely responsible for making the Met the haven that it is.

 For instance, many of the palms have died due to excessive temperatures, only to be replaced by nothing. In their absence, it was the residents who have rebuilt and cared for the gardens. Take the gardens in buildings 1, 4, 7 and the new work accomplished by the community at building 11 as examples.

 Without the incredible creative output of the community that resides here, "The Met" would be nothing more than any other apartment complex. We don't want the spirit of this place to die a death of a thousand cuts.

 When the Metropolis first opened, a group of friends came together and created a Zodiac scavenger hunt. Though many of the original murals are now lost to time, some remnants remain around the complex. Over time new artists have cycled through the Met and left their mark. Many of the murals currently around the complex were created by our neighbors and all the artists that have walked through the courtyards over the last 30 years. While we are grateful that buildings are being made more safe and accessible, we are concerned that we may lose some of the artwork and culture that has inspired everyone who has come through the Met.

 For these reasons, we propose that the community be brought into conversation about the changes that affect us.