GFS community calls on city council to override mayor's veto

t a press conference this morning, Feb. 26, 2025, neighbors and community leaders called on city council members to uphold the community’s right to shape the future of George Floyd Square. On Feb. 20, Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the council's directive to explore a pedestrian mall option for the 3700 block of Chicago Ave. while giving the community until June to develop a broader vision for the space. This work has already been underway at Community Visioning Council (CVC) monthly meetings.
Mileesha Smith, co-chair of the CVC, said the process of healing should not be rushed and that the community needs more time. “We, as people, need time and space with the patience of everyone to come together, to be able to say what this space needs to be able to function for everybody,” said Smith. “Not just us as community. But the residents, the businesses and the people who fly in to take in, embrace this space we have been holding here for going on five years.”

The council is expected to vote on overriding the veto at its Thursday, Feb. 27 meeting.

The CVC meets every third Saturday at the Belfry Community Space (3901 Chicago Ave.) from 10am-12noon.

In related news: From 5-8:30 p.m. this evening at Sabathani Community Center, applicants are sharing their ideas for the Peoples' Way site. More informational pop-ups will be held in March. See the February Southwest Connector and March Longfellow Nokomis Messenger, "Range of building types, uses proposed for Peoples’ Way."