The German Village Society has sued the city of Columbus for removing historic brick sidewalks and sandstone curbs without the needed certificates.
The suit filed Friday in Franklin County Common Pleas Court says the city removed brick sidewalks and sandstone curbs at 12 locations in German Village last year without what it argues are needed city-required certificates of appropriateness.
The society says it believes the city plans to remove the sidewalks and curbs for at least 55 more corners.
The suit says the city is installing curb ramps with materials, including concrete, that the society says aren't historically appropriate.
"Had this work been proposed to the German Village Commission, a (certificate of appropriateness) would have almost certainly been denied. But that does not mean that the City cannot install curbs and ramps; it simply means that the design must include materials that are historically appropriate," the suit said.
The suit includes the names of plaintiffs who are German Village residents and live close to where the work would be done.
The suit asks the court to halt the work until the city obtains the certificates of appropriateness that are necessary.
The Columbus City Attorney's Office said it had no comment since the case is currently before the court.
