Despite heartened pleas from community residents and Italian heritage groups to save the Christopher Columbus statue, only two people offered to buy it from the city, and at less than 10% of its appraised value.

In light of the lack of interested buyers, the city is reissuing its request for proposals, as approved by the Providence Board of Parks Commissioners on Oct. 26. The decision continues the yearslong saga of what to do with the historic, yet controversial city statue, which was taken down from its pedestal in Columbus Square in June 2020 after being repeatedly vandalized.