Minneapolis city leaders are trading words this week about the reopening, or lack thereof, of 38th and Chicago in south Minneapolis.
The intersection, where George Floyd was killed last May by four now-fired Minneapolis police officers, has been cut-off to traffic by barricades since Floyd's death. Community members, activists, and others have turned the area into a memorial most commonly known as George Floyd Square.
Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender tweeted on Tuesday, imploring Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to use his authority to reopen the intersection.
"If despite having the authority to make a decision about barricades at the intersection of 38th and Chicago, the Mayor refuses to make one, the City Council could begin the process of making a decision using our legislative process," wrote Bender.
In the tweet, posted below, Bender stated she would not sign a letter of "blanket support" for clearing the barricades from the intersection calling the letter, "An end-run both around {Frey's} own authority and the Council's legislative process."
My statement on decisions for 38th and Chicago: pic.twitter.com/4FI7Nn0k4B
— Lisa Bender (@lisabendermpls) January 20, 2021
Frey along with City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins and Council Member Alondra Cano, the two council members representing area, released statements about the intersection's future.
Frey said he has attempted to work with Bender on the issue, without success.
"Minneapolis would benefit greatly from City leadership willing to come together. I’ve spent months working with Council Vice President Jenkins and Council Member Cano and have repeatedly attempted to do so with the Council President, to no avail,” Frey wrote. “Refusing to engage in good faith conversation around the future of the intersection or even offer a position, and then presenting this as a ‘mayor or council’ issue – and not a Minneapolis issue – amounts to an attempt to challenge decisions after the fact without taking responsibility now. Avoidable divergence among those entrusted with leading our city could compromise not only our community efforts, but the public’s trust in local government. Let’s unite and get this done.”
Jenkins added that broad, sweeping, and transformation change is needed to reach a resolution.
"It cannot be done by one of us, or some us, but all of us working together. The community, the city council and the Mayor. I stand ready and willing to do my part," wrote Jenkins.
Cano added that it's time to answer the calls for help coming from "hundreds" of neighbors and small business owners.
“As elected leaders, we have an obligation to hear these communities. Residents want to see our local government working together to take action that supports the safety and healing of this community.”
The statement adds that the City Attorney's Office has briefed city officials on the question of City authority over the intersection.
