The Boulevard Ordinance discussion was a focal point of the meeting, addressing public use of boulevards in Minneapolis. The ordinance aims to empower residents to beautify and utilize these spaces, with particular emphasis on growing food. The ordinance stipulates that permits are required for raised planter beds, but these fees will be waived in Green Zones to encourage participation in areas with contaminated soils. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support food justice and community beautification. The discussion included detailed considerations for emergency services access and clear zones around planter beds to ensure public safety during winter operations.

Council members expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort involved in revising the ordinance, highlighting the balance between public use and safety. There was a focus on making the permit process as accessible as possible, particularly for residents in lower-income neighborhoods. The application process was described as simple, requiring minimal personal information and a sketch of the proposed raised beds. Efforts are being made to translate the application to enhance accessibility for diverse community members. Permit fees outside of Green Zones were set at $50 for residential and $75 for non-residential properties, with clarifications on fee structures for renters in commercial properties.

The council also deliberated on the idea of city-wide fee waivers, suggesting a review of permit application data after a season to assess enforcement costs, potentially subsidizing these through Climate Legacy Initiative funding. Concerns about financial burdens on lower-income residents led to discussions about waiving fees based on financial need, with plans to consult city attorneys for policy-level considerations. Some members opposed the ordinance, preferring direct allocation of funds to climate issues rather than permit administration, and called for a race equity analysis to ensure fair impacts across communities.

The meeting then transitioned to discussions about the George Floyd Square development, a project involving the reconstruction of streets at 38th and Chicago Avenue. The concept layout for the area was informed by extensive community engagement and survey results. The proposed layout includes flexible open concepts allowing both vehicular access and regular closures for events. This plan emphasizes collaboration with emergency response teams to ensure vehicle access while fostering community gatherings.

Community engagement efforts were detailed, with outreach to property owners involving direct communication to gather genuine feedback. The area comprises 22 properties, with extensive contact made with private property owners to gauge support for the proposed street designs. The process involved maintaining legal compliance with state statutes for pedestrian mall ordinances, ensuring emergency vehicle access, and exploring alternative routes for private vehicles. The survey presented options for the block, with an emphasis on personalized rather than generic interactions to gather meaningful feedback.

Concerns about the design’s impact on bus transit were addressed, including ensuring the return of local services and the D-Line without compromising community assets like traffic circles and memorials. Council members praised the community engagement efforts, noting the significant level of participation and feedback received.

The concept of establishing a pedestrian mall sparked considerable debate, with discussions about the legal framework and community support necessary for such a development. Council members emphasized the importance of trust between the government and residents, noting that many constituents remain skeptical of long-term commitments due to past failures. The need for clear communication and legal compliance was underscored, along with a commitment to reflect the community’s needs and desires in the council’s decisions.