Contributing writer Ella Stern reports on three Minneapolis City Council votes on June 11 affecting George Floyd Square, including a unanimous vote to deny special assessments that would have billed some businesses over $40,000, a vote rejecting Agape Movement’s exclusive development rights at People’s Way and a legislative directive requesting a report on the 38th Street THRIVE Plan.
The Minneapolis City Council voted June 11 on three measures affecting George Floyd Square. The intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, renamed after police murdered George Floyd there six years ago, is undergoing construction and reimagining. Given its effect on an area of high emotional significance, the process has brought up a volley of debates.
The council first voted unanimously to deny the special assessment for the street reconstruction at the intersection. The change saves community members from paying steep sums.
Minneapolis city policy dictates that whenever streets are reconstructed, property owners adjacent to the work pay a tax known as a special assessment. This money, paid either at once or over 20 years, covers 4% of the project budget…