From the KARE11 video above: “The thing that they want to do, it requires 50% of the businesses and owners along that area to agree with them. So far, zero have.” – Mayor Jacob Frey, Minneapolis city council on the vote to delay plans for George Floyd Square, to pursue creating a pedestrian mall instead
The Latest on George Floyd Square
- Minneapolis City Council tabled a redesign plan for George Floyd Square, opting to consider a pedestrian-only plaza despite property owner opposition.
- The Climate and Infrastructure Committee voted 4-2 to put the city’s plan on hold, with Council member Katie Cashman stating it could be reconsidered if the pedestrian design didn’t work out.
- Mayor Jacob Frey urged the City Council to move ahead with the city’s plan, stating that property owners made it clear they don’t want a pedestrian plaza.
- A survey of property owners on the block found that all 15 respondents opposed a pedestrian plaza.
- A state law allows cities to convert streets to pedestrian-only designs unless more than half of the abutting landowners oppose it.
- The city’s now-tabled redesign would have rebuilt streets and included space for future memorials, with gates that could close the street for events.
