From the archives: Group lays groundwork for Rizzo monument
This story was originally published on March 2, 1992. It was reposted as debate ensued over whether Frank L. Rizzo's Center City statue should be changed or removed.
This story was originally published on March 2, 1992. It was reposted after debate ensued over whether Frank L. Rizzo's Center City statue should be changed or removed.
They honored him in their words and in their hearts.
"We don't expect to do it within a few months," Jody Della Barba said in a recent interview. "If it takes two or three years, we want the best. "
They're all working together now.
Marconi Plaza site eyed
The city's first Italian-American mayor would be in good company. Across the street is Guglielmo Marconi, "the father of modern communications," as the base of his statue reads. And just south of the site is Columbus.
Park group supports plan
The Fairmount Park Commission approved the concept in December, but will soon review a more definitive proposal. The city Art Commission must review it, too. Ricci and Della Barba say they also need a city permit to install the monument.
Jody Della Barba always called him Mayor.
"Some people never get to meet their hero, and I got to work for mine," Della Barba said.
"I remember my dad walking down the street extending his hand to shake someone else's," he explained later as emotion gripped his throat.
But the talk hasn't gelled into anything specific yet.
"This isn't going to be a thing where we just go to the money people. It's basically for the citizens of Philadelphia," she said. "And also, it's so people don't forget him. Sometimes out of sight, out of mind. The people in South Philadelphia should remember."