An appellate court judge in Rochester overturned an earlier ruling about Syracuse’s Columbus monument last week, saying a lawsuit that would prevent the city from removing the statue was premature. The judge added the city had not gone through all the administrative steps needed for approval, yet.

This decision could pave the way for city officials to start the process of creating a new heritage and education site in that location. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said he was pleased by the ruling, and said the city will also start taking steps to find an appropriate plan for the monument.