What should replace the Christopher Columbus statue that was dumped in Baltimore’s harbor more than four years ago? A replica of the statue that was destroyed? A sculpture depicting a family of Italian immigrants? A likeness of former U. S. House of Representatives Speaker (and Baltimore native) Nancy Pelosi or her father, former Baltimore Mayor Thomas D’Alesandro Jr.? Mother Cabrini? An olive tree? Or maybe nothing at all.

Those were a few of the ideas suggested during a spirited discussion this month at a meeting of the Little Italy Neighborhood Association (LINA), a community group whose members live and work near the spot where the statue was dedicated in 1984 — with then-President Ronald Reagan in attendance.