Allen Nielsen, who created a petition to remove the Christopher Columbus portion of a monument to Italian Americans in Norwich that received 532 signatures, is glad the city is making changes. "This is a move in the right direction, and so far it seems New London County is leading the charge," he said.

A meeting between Norwich officials and the Italian Heritage and Cultural Committee of Norwich was held late Monday afternoon. Officials discussed how the Columbus Monument would be changed. Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom said the Cultural Committee had decided internally last week. "It was simply brought to light here formally for the city," he said.