Minneapolis Council Overrides Mayor to Advance George Floyd Square Pedestrian Mall

The Minneapolis City Council has overridden Mayor Jacob Frey's veto of a proposal to explore turning George Floyd Square into a pedestrian mall, with a vote of 9-4. Council members argue that the plan reflects community support for a pedestrian-focused model, despite mixed feedback from residents and businesses who prefer the area open to traffic for economic viability. Mayor Frey contends that the plan violates state law due to objections from over half of the adjacent property owners and has accused the council of 'gerrymandering.' Council Member Katie Cashman emphasized the importance of investing in the square for future generations, while the Mayor urged the council to finalize a plan to avoid delays. The decision follows years of debate about the site's future, with ongoing discussions about a federal investigation into the police department's conduct following Floyd's death. The council's action may set the stage for potential legal challenges regarding the proposed pedestrian plaza.