Several business owners near George Floyd Square are suing the City of Minneapolis for $30 million in damages, claiming the city’s failure to address the growing crime and deterioration in the area has devastated their businesses. The businesses, including Cup Foods—now renamed Unity Foods—are located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, the site where George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in 2020.
In a lawsuit filed last week in Hennepin County, the business owners argue that the city’s inaction has led to a dramatic decline in their operations and constitutes an unlawful taking of their properties without fair compensation. They claim that the city’s decisions have resulted in lower property values, lost revenue, and a negative reputation, with crime and the presence of activists turning the area into a “no-go zone” for police.
The area, now known as George Floyd Square, has become a focal point for social justice supporters across the nation, drawing visitors to the memorial site. However, local business owners say they have not seen any benefits from the increased attention, as the square’s transformation into a permanent memorial remains a subject of debate among activists and local officials.
Floyd’s death, caused by Chauvin pinning his knee to Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes, led to widespread protests that, at times, turned violent. These protests sparked a national reckoning on racial injustice and police brutality, which has since prompted various shifts in public policy and law enforcement practices. Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder for his actions.
The lawsuit, which follows the dismissal of an earlier case filed by the same businesses, argues that the city’s decisions regarding the area’s future have caused ongoing harm to the local economy. Michael Healey, the attorney representing the businesses, indicated that there are two potential outcomes. One possibility is that the businesses could reach a settlement with the city based on the diminished value of their properties. The other scenario could involve the city taking control of the properties and compensating the owners.
In response to the lawsuit, a city spokesperson stated that while Minneapolis cannot comment on pending legal matters, the city is aware of the challenges facing businesses and residents in the wake of Floyd’s death.
Since the murder, the city has engaged in discussions about the future of the intersection, holding community workshops and meeting with local business owners to gather input. The city’s current vision for the site involves redesigning the area to preserve it as a memorial for Floyd while improving safety and ensuring reliable access for the community, businesses, and visitors. A draft of the city’s plan, which includes a projected timeline extending to 2027, aims to balance the square’s role as a gathering space with the practical needs of the neighborhood.