Photo Credit: YouTube / WCCO Minnesota
(MINNEAPOLIS, MN.) - Less than two weeks after the moment of silence for Derek Chauvin at the Minn. Republican Convention, redevelopment construction has started on George Floyd Square. The construction begins with the replacement of underground water and sewer lines intersecting 38th Street and Chicago Avenue. The intersection will remain closed for construction until late 2027.
Currently in its first phase, the project is focusing on major infrastructure upgrades. With a budget of $15 million, the construction includes new water and sewer systems, roads, sidewalks, memorial areas, bike facilities, public art, and nature spaces.
Photo Credit: YouTube / WCCO Minnesota
The redesign makes it impossible for traffic to pass over the exact location of Floyd's murder. Some residents of the neighborhood are concerned about cost, as the bulk of the costs for upgrades fall on local property owners.
Currently, 84 properties in the area have received assessments to help fund the projects, and many residents feel that since Floyd’s murder impacted the entire city and state, primary cost shouldn’t fall solely on local property owners.
Photo Credit: YouTube/ WWCO Minnesota
Plans for the project were approved by the Minneapolis City Council to ensure that transit access for the area wasn’t halted, but still allowed the intersection to be closed for public gatherings. Due to the residents' concerns, the Council will be discussing the possible vote on a special assessment at its next meeting June 10.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org.
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