Peoria's Christopher Columbus statue will soon be gone. The park district board voted 4-2 Wednesday night to remove the statue from Bradley Park, and replace it with green space. Board members Nancy Snowden and Joseph Cassidy voted no. Cassidy said people living in the Uplands nearby want another statue or work of art to replace Columbus instead of green space.

The action follows several town hall meetings to gauge community reaction to the idea. Those wanting to take it down say Columbus represents slavery and oppression of Native Americans, while many Italian Americans consider Columbus commemorations as a source of pride.