The Minneapolis City Council has approved a new design for George Floyd Square, marking a significant step toward revitalization. This decision comes after several years of debates and community engagement. The construction for this project is scheduled to commence in 2026.
Key Features of the New Design
The approved plan features a flexible-open street design. It will permit vehicle traffic along East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue while preserving the area where George Floyd was killed in 2020 for memorials and community art. Additionally, the project will include:
- New streets
- Green spaces
- Bikeways
- Pedestrian street lighting
- Wider sidewalks
Temporary street closures will accommodate special events in the square.
Community Involvement and Feedback
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed strong support for the council’s decision. He emphasized the importance of community voices in shaping the plan. “Today we turned years of work into real progress,” he stated.
The council’s approval, with a vote of 9-4, followed an extensive community engagement process costing over $3 million from 2021 to 2023. This process aimed to gather residents’ views on the future of the square, revealing a majority preference for two-way traffic combined with a flexible-open option.
Prior Controversies and Delays
In early 2022, the council had postponed plans for construction, choosing instead to consider a pedestrian mall. This decision was met with mixed reactions, especially from residents who felt that construction could dismantle the memorial’s significance. Concerns were raised that the city was not fully grasping the memorial’s historical importance.
In February 2023, Mayor Frey vetoed the pedestrian plaza proposal, citing state laws requiring property owner support and a lack of community backing for a solely pedestrian space. Despite the veto, the council later overrode his decision.
Funding and Next Steps
The estimated cost of the street reconstruction is approximately $11 million. The City Council also passed a resolution urging the city to integrate community recommendations into the design. Ongoing engagement with community members will remain a priority throughout the redesign process.
This new design for George Floyd Square represents a pivotal moment in Minneapolis, combining progress with respect for the site’s history and community significance.
