OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

BEN WALSH, MAYOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Brooke Schneider

Date: April 3, 2023 Phone: 315-251-0904
Email: press@syrgov.net

STATEMENT

MAYOR WALSH SAYS SYRACUSE WAS COMPELLED TO APPEAL A PREMATURE RULING THAT
PREVENTED THE REQUIRED LEGAL PROCESSES FOR HERITAGE PARK

Statement by Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh regarding oral arguments today in appeal of decision regarding Columbus
Monument Corporation suit against the City of Syracuse:

“Instead of working toward a community solution, the Columbus Monument Corporation sued the city to get its way.
The City was compelled to appeal a lower court decision that precluded the completion of the administrative processes
required to follow through on the City’s vision to create a heritage park in downtown Syracuse.

At oral arguments today, attorneys for the City argued this point and demonstrated to the appellate court why the
lower court erred in ruling that the Mayor may not exercise his statutory duty to determine what symbols, art, and
monuments are displayed on City property to best represent the entire City population. City attorneys also clearly
presented to the appellate court what the lower court ignored: that the state’s decision to terminate the Preservation
Covenant was made within its full authority and knowledge and, thus, was a valid government determination.

We are pleased that organizations representing local Italian Americans, Indigenous rights, and municipal governments,
as well as the Onondaga Nation, filed Amicus briefs in support of the city’s appeal. I am committed to ensuring the
center of the circle honors our Italian American community and to following the necessary legal processes to create a
space that is safe, inclusive, and welcoming to all.”

203 CITY HALL • SYRACUSE, N.Y. 13202-1473 • (315) 448-8005 • FAX: (315) 448-8067
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