City survey monumental
THE CITY is launching an online survey inviting New Yorkers to weigh in on which statues should stay or go as a commission grapples with what to do about “symbols of hate” on city property.
Mayor de Blasio formed the committee last month to review whether the city should keep, ditch or alter monuments with controversial histories, from the statue of Christopher Columbus at Columbus Circle to a host of lesser-known statues across the five boroughs.
The survey invites New Yorkers to name particular monuments and locations and say whether the city should keep them, remove them, relocate them, or add signs or other educational context. Survey takers can also suggest ideas for new monuments the city should erect.
“With the launch of this survey, every New Yorker has an opportunity to weigh in on monuments in our city’s public spaces. From asking broadly about the role of public art in public space, to seeking feedback on particular works and a range of ideas for possible interventions, the survey will make sure that every resident who wants to participate in the 90 day review can have a say in the process,” said Tom Finkelpearl, de Blasio’s cultural affairs commissioner, who is co-chairing the group.
“Responses will play a critical role in shaping the commission’s work of developing guidelines that can be applied broadly to art on city property, with the ultimate goal of putting forth a thoughtful way to promote more inclusive, welcoming public spaces for all New Yorkers.”
The commission has so far held one meeting, which was conducted behind closed doors.
Officials will be collecting responses to the survey through Nov. 26 before making any recommendations.
A link to the survey , which will be available online beginning Wednesday morning, can be found at nyc.gov/ monuments-commission.
The loudest fight so far has been over the Columbus statue, which Italian-Americans groups have fiercely defended but some critics want to scrap because of the explorer’s brutality toward Native Americans.