The Minneapolis City Council is on the verge of a crucial decision as Thursday's vote approaches regarding whether to rebuild the streets surrounding George Floyd Square. This square holds significant historical and emotional value, as it was where city police took the life of George Floyd in 2020. The construction proposal drafted by city staff, based on community input, aims to rebuild the blocks of 38th Street South and Chicago Avenue that touch the intersection. The new roads will accommodate cars and buses while adding bike lanes, along with widened sidewalks, designated green spaces, and room for art and memorials.

Why Reimagine George Floyd Square?

Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Minneapolis operations officer, emphasizes the need to update the square's infrastructure. Feedback from some residents and business owners indicates a desire for change. "George Floyd Square needs to be re-envisioned … both to honor the memory of George Floyd and to really have the area that people live in be vibrant and also respectful of the events of the murder of George Floyd," she said.However, not everyone is in favor of the construction. Some residents push back, arguing that it will erase the community-run memorial and the ongoing chapter of protest history. Jeanelle Austin, executive director of Rise and Remember, highlights the significance of how people use the space. "George Floyd Square matters because of the way in which the people use the space, and the city is trying to systematically erase that," she said. She has collected thousands of items left by people, each carrying a piece of their love and heart.

Business Perspectives

Dwight Alexander, owner of Smoke in the Pit, a barbecue restaurant in the square, has noticed a slowdown in business since Floyd's murder. Old customers are unaware that the streets and businesses are open, and foot traffic has decreased. He hopes that new streets will attract more people and bring life back to the square. "We want the best for this neighborhood. We want to see the new development. Anytime you get something new in the city, everybody will come see it," he said.

Community Alternatives

Austin is part of a community group pushing for an alternative plan. They ask the city to give residents a year to come up with their own plan for road construction and street design. This alternative plan gained some traction in earlier council discussions. Council Member Jason Chavez agreed with protesters' calls to hold off on construction and invest in the neighborhood through housing or other local needs. "We're talking about tearing up a street without talking about the investments that 38th Street deserves and needs. I think there is a way to address the concerns that community members have," he said.

Long-Term Vision

Council member Andrea Jenkins has been advocating for more investment along the 38th Street corridor even before Floyd's death. She believes that road construction is a long-overdue need. "It's really important that we invest in this community to demonstrate that we do recognize the disinvestments that created the conditions that led to that murder, but also to lay a foundation so that we can create a place of social justice," she said at a council meeting last month.If the vote passes, city staff will draw up final plans, and construction is expected to start in the summer of 2025 and likely end in 2026. They will wait to break ground until after May 25, marking five years since Floyd's murder. If the proposal fails, construction will be delayed for at least a year, along with the later work on a memorial and the People's Way site.