The Italian flags and the red-white-and-green streamers fluttered along Taylor Street Thursday. Some posted fliers that read: “Celebrate Italian Heritage Month!” Others were careful not to display the back side of that flier because it contains the “C word.”

“I’m afraid to put it up because if someone is against Columbus Day, I don’t want them to smash the windows, come in and cause trouble,” said one shopkeeper, who didn’t want his name used but said he’s been in business in the neighborhood for thirty years.