Business owners in the vicinity of George Floyd Square are seeking $30 million in damages from the City of Minneapolis for letting crime take over in that area.
It was at the intersection of 38th and Chicago Avenue South more than four years ago where Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, who's in prison on a murder conviction.
Michael Healey represents the businesses and says they've been hurt dramitically by the city's response.
"The area is referred to in our complaint as a no-go zone," says Healey. "Police and paramedics were not going in there for several years after Floyd was killed. It looks like protection has been restored a little bit but we've asked the city to restore police protection and confirm that they're doing so."
The suit wants the city to take over all of those properties and compensate the owners for lost revenue.
Healey adds that police and other emergency crews have not been responding to calls to the area.
"There were barricades left up for a full year. At that same time, you know, police protection being denied to the business owners there," Healey told WCCO Radio. "Yeah, each of my clients would speak to that in a different way but tremendous hurt, anger, frustration at the way their business has crumbled in the four years since."
Minneapolis city officials say they are aware of what's happening around George Floyd Square, but also noted that they are not allowed to comment on pending lawsuits.