Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has appointed two new committees to guide the relocation and preservation of the Christopher Columbus statue in Syracuse. In October, Walsh announced that the statue would be removed from its current place in downtown Syracuse. Recommendations and design concepts from the committees are expected early next year.

The Heritage Park Advisory Commission includes members of the Italian American community, the Onondaga Nation and other community stakeholders. Members will guide the creation of a heritage and education site, the mayor said. Walsh also named a Columbus Statue Italian American Task Force to provide input on the permanent recognition of Italian Americans at Columbus Circle.