A coalition of New York residents is moving forward with plans to erect a new statue of Christopher Columbus on private property, a decision organizers say ensures the monument will remain beyond the reach of city officials who have opposed public displays honoring the explorer.
The effort comes as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani continues to face criticism from some Italian-American groups over his past opposition to Columbus monuments. During his 2020 campaign for the New York State Assembly, Mamdani posted an image of himself extending his middle finger toward a Columbus statue, a gesture that has continued to draw attention years later.
Rather than seek approval for a monument on public land, the Preserving Italian Heritage Coalition plans to install the statue on property owned by the John Hughes Club in the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. Because the site is privately owned, the project would not be subject to the same level of municipal control as monuments on city property.
The coalition was organized by Republican Assemblyman Lester Chang, who said preserving Italian-American heritage is a cause that extends beyond ethnicity.
“I’m Chinese, but this is my community, too,” Chang told the New York Post.
Chang said the group is working to raise approximately $100,000 to fund the project. He also said President Donald Trump’s Columbus Day proclamation last year helped inspire the effort and noted that he became the coalition’s first donor.
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Chang shared a personal story about his family’s connection to the Italian-American community, explaining that after his father immigrated to New York in 1924, an Italian restaurant gave him his first job when others would not.
Supporters say the project is intended to celebrate both Italian-American history and the contributions that immigrants have made to New York City.
New York Young Republican Club President Stefano Forte said the monument is a response to what he sees as efforts to diminish Italian-American heritage.
“At a time when Italian American history and culture are being erased by Mayor Mamdani, our club is highlighting one of the giants of American and Italian history, Christopher Columbus,” Forte said.
Coalition treasurer Gregory Lendino described Columbus as a longstanding symbol within the Italian-American community.
“It didn’t matter if you were Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal,” Lendino said. “He was just an icon that we rallied around.”
Columbus Day is BACK. pic.twitter.com/OjxqcCeHCx
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Lendino also said Italian immigrants left a lasting mark on the city through their work and contributions.
“They came here and they built things,” he said. “They didn’t tear things down.”
Committee member Lori Pedone said the project carries personal significance for her family and future generations.
“My grandparents would be ecstatic knowing that we’re trying to preserve history,” she said.
“My son was recently married. Maybe my grandchildren will one day be able to see that statue and be proud of it as well.”
Although Mamdani has expressed opposition to Columbus monuments in the past, the statues he has criticized remain in place, including the monument featured in his 2020 campaign image and the well-known Columbus statue overlooking Columbus Circle in Manhattan.
