Common Pleas Judge Paula Patrick ordered a delay of the Philadelphia Art Commission’s approval for moving the statue, while a lawsuit brought by neighborhood group Friends of Marconi Plaza proceeds.
The group wants the statue to stay where it is. The city says it should be removed because it became a public safety issue when protesters and defenders of the statue clashed in the park. The statue has been covered by plywood ever since.
On Wednesday, the Art Commission agreed with the city but said it must find the statue a new home — not on public land — and should create a new memorial to replace the statue.
The city welcomed the Art Commission’s decision and says it’s still reviewing the judge’s order.