The New York State Department of Transportation is moving forward to restore the former New York Central station complex in Syracuse (the train platform next to Interstate 690 West), due to it's historic significance.  Also on the site, a well known, site-specific public art installation titled:  "Waiting for the Night Train," depicts statues of people waiting for the train. This installation has been in place since 1982, and was created by local artists "Duke" Epolito, Sr. and Larry Zankowski. Capturing the attention of thousands of I-690 commuters, and recently restored in 2010, the sculptures are an integral part of Syracuse and Central New York's cultural fabric. Recently, Matthew J. Driscoll (Commissioner of the Dept. of Transportation) was cited in a Syracuse.com article responding to a question about what will happen to the sculptures: "Either we're going to have put a hardhat on them or we're going to move them," he said. "It's doubtful they'll stay there. We want it to go back to the historic look." See Article Here: http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2016/01/new_york_to_repair_old_syracuse_train_platform.html This petition pleads with Commissioner Driscoll, a long time supporter and proponent of public art, to consider preserving the widely popular figures as part of the restoration of the former train platform. While preserving a historical significant site is important, so too is the preservation of the culturally significant, and well-known landmark "Waiting for the Night Train." Mr. Driscoll: please consider saving these widely loved examples of public art as the Department of Transportation moves forward with the restoration of the train platform, and to consider these sculptures as an integral part of the final design. (Photo: Nick Lisi/Staff photographer, Syracuse.com file photo, 2009)