An evening of dialogue and dinner centered on future plans for George Floyd Square drew mixed opinions from community members. Held at Sabathani Community Center, the City of Minneapolis organized the event in hopes of mapping a community-centered vision for the area, including the Peoples Way site, street improvements, and memorials.
Many at the March 28 gathering questioned the timeline for development at the 38th and Chicago intersection. Others expressed frustration that just two months shy of the fourth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, the City of Minneapolis still hasn’t enacted a plan for the area.
Mother Atum Azzahir of the Cultural Wellness Center was a more than capable host. She had respectful but pointed conversations with several people for passionately speaking out of line or trying to talk over others. The Cultural Wellness Center and architectural design firm 4RM+ULA are part of the city’s new engagement team, which helps facilitate culturally based solutions to community challenges.
This was a preliminary gathering to shape the agenda for several more meetings this year and formulate a comprehensive plan for GFS’s enactment in 2025. Materials placed on tables showed the City’s plans to improve business area lighting at GFS. Also in attendance as an engaged listener was Councilmember Andrea Jenkins.
Alexander Kado, senior project manager with the City of Minneapolis, stated that the City would like to see George Floyd memorialized; however, what that memorial looks like is not in the City’s control. “The City, however, is committed to protecting and preserving that space,” Kado told the MSR.
Many residents and business owners at the Square contended that, in their perception, too many outsiders have been weighing in on the area’s development. Another sticky point was the perception that money is earmarked for the area, but so far very little of it seems to have benefited the people or businesses in that community.
Look for more on this story in upcoming editions of the MSR.
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