CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - It appears statues of Christopher Columbus could soon return to a pair of Chicago parks.
The statues were removed in 2020, in the midst of protests and civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd.
“Michigan Avenue was looted three times,” said Ron Onesti, President of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. “Should we just plow down all the stores on Michigan Avenue? We have to protect it.”
Speaking ahead of the city’s annual Columbus Day Parade, Onesti said the committee is now talking to the city about returning the statues to their original posts.
“Where the statues belong is where they were. Grant Park, Arrigo Park, South Side of Chicago. After they go back, after we have a safety plan, if there’s something we need to discuss, why don’t you join us and ask us to be a part of that conversation about what the ultimate goal will be with these statues?” Onesti added.
Plexiglass or other coatings, even 24-hour police surveillance have all been floated as potential ways to keep the statues safe. Onesti said everything is on the table.
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