A coalition of Italian-American groups have filed paperwork with the city to grant landmark status to the statue of Christopher Columbus in Columbus Circle.

Last year, controversy erupted when critics called for the statue's removal, calling his likeness a symbol of genocide.

Following a review, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the statue would stay, but plaques would be erected with additional facts to put Columbus' actions in context.

The groups believe with landmark status, the city will not be able to make those changes to the statue as it stands.