Court rules to remove plywood box covering Columbus statue
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled to remove the plywood structure covering the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia on Friday. The statue became a point of contention for residents in the wake of George Floyd's murder.
By Andreas Copes
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PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled to remove the plywood structure covering the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia on Friday. The statue became a point of contention for residents in the wake of George Floyd’s murder as protests against systemic racism and injustice swept the country.
The City of Philadelphia appealed a ruling allowing the City’s Board of License and Inspection Review to remove the box. The court ruled against the city.
Supporters of the statue argue it’s a symbol of the community’s Italian heritage.
“This is, you know, a true victory, not just for Italian-Americans, this is a true victory for all ethnic groups,” George Bochetto, attorney, said.
The city released a statement in which they say:
We are very disappointed in the Court’s ruling. We continue to believe that the Christopher Columbus statue ( … ) should be removed from its current position at Marconi Plaza.
In October, the plywood box received a makeover in green, white and red as a possible compromise for the Italian community.
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