In Brief
- Businesses at the site of George Floyd murder reported lost business and increased crime
- Filed $30 million suit against City of Minneapolis
- Lawsuit dismissed, after no unlawful taking was found
Businesses located near George Floyd Square filed a $30 million lawsuit last year against the city of Minneapolis and Mayor Jacob Frey. A Hennepin County District Court dismissed the suit June 20, disagreeing with plaintiffs that the city’s actions constituted an unlawful taking of property.
Floyd was murdered outside of Cup Foods by a police officer, who pinned Floyd’s neck to the pavement. Following his murder, a memorial was created for Floyd. Because of protests in this area, the city of Minneapolis put up concrete barriers around the intersection with signs saying, “Road Closed” and “Residents Only.” According to the businesses, they were not consulted about erecting the barriers. The lawsuit asserted that this enhanced economic hardship on the businesses.
Plaintiffs claimed that the barriers’ presence “deterred tenants and customers,” by redirecting customers away from the properties. Businesses in the area asked the city of Minneapolis and Mayor Jacob Frey to reopen the intersection, asserting loss of profits and increased crime. While the city stated that the barriers would be removed by August 17, 2020, they were ultimately removed in June 2021…