[700 Level]

Hmm - it is a little strange to proactively wipe out the mural. But I imagine people were trying to excessively shake them down over the issue, and this was a way to put the discussion to rest and is entirely within their rights. (Basically saying - yeah, you have no leverage at all.) I will offer two positives from this move:

(1) As a previous commenter had stated, if you allow the existence of a mural to deter development and progress, it will be the end of the mural program. No owner will ever allow a mural to be painted on their property and in turn have it used against them.

(2) Also as stated above, the bright white wall will lead to additional pressure to get moving on the project.