A group of people who oppose removing the statue of Christopher Columbus from downtown have filed legal papers announcing their intention to sue to block the city’s plans. The “notice of intent” was filed with the city on Friday, according to Nicholas Pirro, a former Onondaga County Executive who’s also part of the Columbus Monument Corporation that’s fighting the change at Columbus Circle.

“We’re prepared to take legal action,” Pirro said Wednesday. The five-page document isn’t a lawsuit. Rather, it puts the city on notice that legal action could be coming. The group believes the mayor doesn’t have the authority to move the statue, Pirro said. Instead, the city should seek approval from local and state historic preservation boards and the city’s arts commission on the future of the space, he said.