Greenwich is moving ahead with plans for a 7-foot-tall bronze statue honoring President George H.W. Bush.

The 41st president grew up in Greenwich and met his wife Barbara there.

The memorial will be in front of the Havemeyer Building in the heart of world-famous Greenwich Avenue, which houses the town’s Board of Education. It will be surrounded by a circular seating wall and a limestone monolith behind the statue. The entire memorial will be paid for by former state Sen. Scott Frantz.

“This has been an idea that’s been tossed around for many, many years,” said First Selectman Fred Camillo, who proposed the monument. “We wanted to have the World War – the obelisk memorial there, the monument – the Vietnam one, Col. Bolling, and now, George H.W. Bush there. And we think it’s a fitting spot for him to be honored.”

The late president was born in Massachusetts, but moved to Greenwich as an infant. His father was Sen. Prescott Bush. “Bush 41” returned to Greenwich many times, including in 1992 to bury his mother Dottie, just weeks after losing the election to Bill Clinton.

“He’s one of our own here,” Camillo said. “He’s a Greenwich guy and we’re just very proud and happy to do this.”

Camillo said that the new Bush memorial could be finished by late 2026. Last month, the Greenwich Historic District Commission approved the location and design. It now goes to the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission for final approval. Greenwich’s Representative Town Meeting must also approve the gift from Frantz.

Even those who opposed Bush’s conservative politics said they miss his civility.

“Back in the day, he and I didn’t necessarily see eye-to-eye,” said Jen Telford, a visitor from Norwich. “But I think today, I feel much differently about that.”

Others who are too young to remember the former president said they want to learn more about him now.

“If they put it there, I’d probably want to know more about him,” said Hunter Cercy, 13. “Why he was here, you know?”

Some residents wondered if the Board of Education building is the right place for a political statue. But Camillo, a Republican, said the idea has nearly universal support.

“I don’t know how anyone would look at it as political,” he said. “In fact, a lot of Democrats that I’ve spoken to are totally in support of this.”