City council rejects plan for George Floyd Square, possibly setting work back years

[sarisataka]

City council rejects plan for George Floyd Square, possibly setting work back years

The Minneapolis city council took a step back in the city’s progress to redevelopment of George Floyd Square.

The plan presented by city staff — which was finalized just about a month ago — had been crafted after years of community engagement. While a big part of the city’s plan puts a focus on making the area pedestrian-friendly, some council members want it even friendlier for walkers.

“I believe we have one shot to make this right,” Councilmember Jason Chavez said as he presented a resolution to kick back development discussion to committee. “I want us to be able to talk about making George Floyd Square a pedestrian mall,” he later added.

The plan rejected by the council at Thursday’s meeting would be more versatile. It would allow traffic to move through the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, now known as George Floyd Square.

https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/city-council-rejects-plan-for-george-floyd-square-possibly-setting-work-back-years/

Perfect is the enemy of good

It will be difficult for the businesses there to survive on just foot traffic.

[Ocelot II]

1. The Minneapolis city council is a collection of morons.

They can't pull their heads out of their asses long enough to figure out what to do with the burned-out 3rd precinct police station - that's been at a standstill for how long now? And the whole idea of turning 38th and Chicago into a pedestrian-only area is idiotic. Chicago is one of the main streets through south Minneapolis into downtown, with a bus route and a lot of other traffic. Where would that go? Park and Portland Aves. already have as much traffic as they can handle. Local businesses depend on access by car and bus, not just foot traffic. Of course there should be some kind of memorial at the site, but it's in the middle of a busy mixed commercial/residential area and the local residents aren't rich. It's not a posh suburban area that can afford to shut off access.

[JMCKUSICK]

2. Having loved in Minnesota for more than 30 years

And having driven a cab there for 10 of them makes me feel like I can contribute to this conversation.
I love the idea of 38th and Chi being way more pedestrian. City planners have been destroying neighborhoods for generations all in the interest of better traffic flow.
I believe it will create a viable neighborhood, reduce crime and possibly even begin a Renaissance of people over cars city planning on a larger scale.
One last thing about that neighborhood in particular is that it has some majestic homes that would make it a great place to save.