Businesses near George Floyd Square sued Minneapolis for damages. A judge again dismissed the lawsuit.
A Hennepin County judge dismissed a lawsuit from several business owners near George Floyd Square, who claimed the city of Minneapolis was responsible for their declining revenues and property values after Floyd's murder. The plaintiffs, including Cup Foods, sought $30 million in damages and requested eminent domain proceedings, alleging that city actions such as barricades contributed to increased safety issues. Judge Edward T. Wahl ruled that the city's impact on the economic fallout was minimal and that the actions taken were temporary public safety measures. This ruling marks the second unsuccessful attempt for the business owners, following a 2023 lawsuit that sought $1.
5 million in damages but was dismissed for similar reasons. Minneapolis City Attorney Kristyn Anderson stated that the city is pleased with the outcome, highlighting the diligence of the legal team. As discussions about the future of George Floyd Square continue, city officials are expected to name a preferred developer for the area this summer. A third lawsuit by eight other nearby businesses, including restaurants, has also been filed against the city earlier this year. The ongoing legal disputes reflect broader tensions surrounding the legacy and future of the site.