Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Wednesday vetoed a City Council plan to create a pedestrian mall at the south Minneapolis intersection where George Floyd died under former police officer Derek Chauvin’s knee nearly five years ago.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed the City Council’s plan to explore building a pedestrian-only mall at George Floyd Square, the intersection where an officer killed Floyd in 2020.

Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey on Wednesday vetoed the Minneapolis City Council’s plans to transform George Floyd Square at 38th and Chicago into a pedestrian mall. Frey’s urging the council to reconsider a flexible-open option proposed last year.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (fry) has vetoed his City Council's plan to turn George Floyd Square into a pedestrian mall. This comes almost five years after the death of George Floyd. Frey says a pedestrian mall would "delay any meaningful progress for at least a year.

Last week, the City Council voted to have city staff further study a pedestrian plaza layout despite a previous survey showing it lacked support from immediate neighbors.

Ward 9 City Council Member Jason Chavez fired back on social media, arguing the mayor has never reckoned with the trauma that the community has faced.