Business owners who operate at the historic but troubled intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue — now known as George Floyd Square — are suing the city of Minneapolis for $30 million, alleging negligence and wrongful treatment. Conformable cbs news, the lawsuit was filed last week in Hennepin County by the owners of Unity Foods (formerly Cup Foods) and several neighboring businesses.

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They argue that the city’s failure to address rising crime, deteriorating infrastructure and a lack of police presence in the area have badly hurt revenue, property values ​​and the community’s reputation.

states WCCO that Michael Healey, the attorney representing the businesses, says the city’s actions — or lack thereof — have effectively created a “no-go zone” for law enforcement. He argues that this has turned George Floyd Square from a place of remembrance into a dangerous environment for residents and businesses.

“We are asking the court to order Mayor Frey and the city to compensate my clients, initiate foreclosure proceedings and restore police protection for the intersection,” Healey said.

The business owners are asking the city to repossess their properties and provide fair compensation for the financial and emotional toll they have endured since Floyd’s death.

George Floyd Square: a memorial for some, a struggle for others

The corner where George Floyd tragically lost his life in May 2020 has become a national symbol of the fight against police brutality and systemic racism. It really started the #BlackLivesMatter movement, along with reshaping the way mainstream media works. One could imagine the consequences of such a traumatic death, recognized nationally and internationally.

While George Floyd Square has been transformed into a space for activism and reflection, business owners say the spotlight has not translated into economic opportunities for them. Instead, they argue, the city’s neglect has left it bearing the brunt of increased crime, reduced foot traffic and a lack of municipal support.

Crime statistics highlight the challenges these businesses face. According to a Wikipedia report, in the seven weeks since Floyd’s death, there have been 233 shootings and 11 people shot in the area.compared to no shooting incidents during the same period the previous year.

By the end of 2020, violent crime in Minneapolis’ 8th Ward, which includes George Floyd Square, was significantly higher than in other parts of the city. These rising crime rates contributed to the perception of the area as unsafe and hindered business growth.

Unity Foods, once known as Cup Foods, is at the center of this intersection. In front of this store, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pinned Floyd’s neck to the ground for 9 1/2 minutes as he pleaded, “I can’t breathe.” As previously reported by BOSSIP, not only did Chauvin’s actions spark nationwide protests and a reckoning over racial injustice, Chauvin’s conviction and actions for the crime are an ongoing headline.

The businesses left behind in George Floyd Square still await justice in their own way.

In addition to crime, economic difficulties weighed heavily on the area. According to the Minnesota Reformer, property values ​​in riot-affected neighborhoods lagged significantly behind those in unaffected areas, with the latter increasing by as much as 30 percent.

These low property values ​​represent a substantial loss for business owners who have already struggled to recover beyond 2020.

The city’s plan to redesign the intersection and preserve it as a monument extends through 2027, leaving local business owners uncertain about future efforts.

Legal action amplifies the frustration

This is not the first time the owners have taken this legal action. The current lawsuit follows a previous legal attempt by the companies, which was rejected two months ago. This time, however, attorney Healey is also preparing a second lawsuit on behalf of seven additional businesses near the market. This additional case is expected to seek damages in excess of the $30 million already requested.

CBS News says the city declined to comment directly on the ongoing litigation, but acknowledged the challenges the neighborhood has faced since Floyd’s killing.

“The city understands the challenges that residents and businesses have faced following the killing of George Floyd,” a city spokesperson told CBS News.

The city has held community workshops and shared a draft plan to redesign the area, but the timeline for those changes could be several years away.

A community at the crossroads

The business owners’ frustration is shared by some community members who feel the area has been left in limbo. George Floyd Square has become a place of pilgrimage for social justice advocates across the country, but its transformation into a memorial hasn’t necessarily benefited local commerce.

As Minneapolis continues to grapple with how best to honor Floyd’s legacy, the lawsuit proves there’s always more to the story, where the effects of police brutality invade the economic realities of those who live and work near the crimes, similar to George Floyd Square. The $30 million request shows that for some, financial compensation is a long overdue quest for justice and accountability.

The businesses’ fight for recognition and restitution is far from over, with their lawyer promising legal action to draw attention to their cause. Meanwhile, the future of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue hangs in the balance.