Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Wednesday vetoed a City Council plan to create a pedestrian mall at the south Minneapolis intersection where George Floyd died under former police officer Derek Chauvin’s knee nearly five years ago.

Nearly five years since the murder of George Floyd, Minneapolis leaders are still considering what to do with the area surrounding where it occurred. Most recently, Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed a proposal that would create a pedestrian mall,

Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey on Wednesday vetoed the Minneapolis City Council’s plans to transform George Floyd Square at 38th and Chicago into a pedestrian mall. Frey’s urging the council to reconsider a flexible-open option proposed last year.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed the City Council’s plan to explore building a pedestrian-only mall at George Floyd Square, the intersection where an officer killed Floyd in 2020.

Ward 9 City Council Member Jason Chavez fired back on social media, arguing the mayor has never reckoned with the trauma that the community has faced.

Businesses at George Floyd Square remain unsure about the future as there's still no concrete plan for 38th and Chicago five years later.

The Climate and Infrastructure Committee voted 4-2 to put the city’s plan “on ice.” Council member Katie Cashman said the plan could be reconsidered if the pedestrian design didn’t work out. But opponents say the decision will delay much-needed infrastructure upgrades.

In just a few months, we will mark five years since the murder of George Floyd. This anniversary, while an important moment of reflection, should also serve as a call to action. Come May, George Floyd Square — the area in and around the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue S.

Last week, the City Council voted to have city staff further study a pedestrian plaza layout despite a previous survey showing it lacked support from immediate neighbors.