The De-Fence Project that recently added some flavor to the drab scaffolding lining Water Street in DUMBO has been taken down by state officials. It hadn't even been up for one week, and now the Brooklyn Paper reports that the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation removed the artwork on Monday. John Jeffreys, who funded the project through Exhibitology Inc., told the paper, “I can’t say I’m surprised. We didn’t really get permission to do it. Their reaction is one they have to take, but a bit of an over-reaction, I think.” He also claims to have not asked permission because there wasn't enough time in order to get it up to coincide with the BKLYN Designs event in the neighborhood last weekend. Without permission, the wooden cutouts were viewed as vandalism. Rachel Gordon, regional director of state Parks, said, “Nobody ever called. We have lots and lots of art events, but you just have to ask for permission." And while locals may have loved the piece, Gordon also states that, "it was so unsafe."