In a decision that underscores the tension between urban development and community activism, the Minneapolis City Council has opted to delay construction plans at George Floyd Square. The square, located at E. 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became an emblem of resistance and remembrance following George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. The council’s vote to reconsider a proposed pedestrian-only plaza signals a momentous pause in a city grappling with how to respect the historical and cultural weight of the site while addressing pressing infrastructure needs.
The city’s initial construction proposal aimed to begin work this summer, with plans to rebuild the intersection’s 60-year-old roads, replace aging lead pipes, and develop the area to include new memorials and the redevelopment of the former Speedway gas station, now known as the People’s Way. This initiative was drafted after years of community engagement, a process that city staff argued had already incorporated voices from local residents and business owners who sought updates to the square’s infrastructure.
However, the council’s decision to set the plan back for further study reflects deep-rooted concerns from residents and activists who view George Floyd Square not just as an intersection but as a sacred site. Council member Jason Chavez spearheaded the push for a pedestrian mall, emphasizing that such an option would honor the community’s wishes and address broader issues like livability and economic development. “We’re talking about tearing up a street without talking about the investments that 38th Street deserves and needs,” Chavez asserted. His resolution calls for further community input to guide the next steps, stressing that change should reflect the needs and aspirations of the people living there.
This delay, however, comes with criticism. Council member Andrea Jenkins, who represents the area, cast a dissenting vote, arguing that the council’s decision disregarded years of community work and staff recommendations. “It completely disregards thousands of hours of community engagement, of staff time, of staff recommendation,” Jenkins said. Her comments highlight a rift between those seeking swift action to revitalize the area and those calling for a more deliberative approach.
The city’s frustration with the decision is palpable. Mayor Jacob Frey described it as a setback, lamenting that despite extensive community engagement, the council’s decision to delay could push back any construction timeline, originally aimed at summer 2025. Frey stressed that residents needed visible progress, a sentiment echoed by city officials who see improvements as vital to the neighborhood’s revitalization.
Yet, for the community, the stakes are high. Jeanelle Austin, who leads Rise and Remember—a group dedicated to preserving the square’s art and offerings—reminded city officials of the deeply personal and symbolic nature of the memorial. “What they don’t get to see—what I get to see—is the fingerprints of the five to ten thousand people who’ve come and laid something that’s a piece of their love, that’s a piece of their heart,” Austin said. Her words underscore the profound connection that many residents and visitors feel toward George Floyd Square, where daily acts of remembrance have kept its spirit alive.
Opponents of the construction plans have expressed concerns that altering the square could erase the community’s narrative and the chapter of protest history it represents. Many have argued that development should not come at the expense of a space that has become a symbol of resistance, healing, and an ongoing call for justice.
Dwight Alexander, co-owner of Smoke in the Pit, a barbecue restaurant at the square, highlighted the complexities of the debate. “We want the best for this neighborhood. We want to see the new development,” he said, acknowledging that while revitalization might attract more visitors and economic opportunities, it must be done with the community’s legacy in mind.
With the council’s decision to reconsider the project and prioritize further discussions, the future of George Floyd Square hangs in the balance. The square stands not just as a reminder of tragedy, but as a testament to resilience, and how the city chooses to move forward will speak volumes about its commitment to social justice and the voices of its most impacted residents. The push for a pedestrian plaza may represent a compromise, but it is also a call to honor the square’s deep-rooted significance, ensuring that any development does not dilute its power as a place of collective memory and activism.
This article is based on reporting by Estelle Timar-Wilcox from Sahan Journal.