Local
Swampscott to review road-marking rules after rainbow crossings are painted over
Two LGBTQ-inclusive crosswalks on Monument Avenue were replaced with standard white lines, prompting residents to question the town’s explanation that the work was routine maintenance. Officials say they are reviewing policies for roadway markings, including those paid for with private donations.
Two rainbow crosswalks on Monument Avenue in Swampscott have been replaced with white lines, upsetting residents who saw the colorful markings as a public symbol of LGBTQ inclusion.
Melissa Weinand noticed the change during a morning walk. She said she was surprised and felt the removal appeared deliberate. The crossings had been repainted in rainbow colors last year with money from a private donor.
Town officials said the work was part of regularly scheduled road maintenance and did not signal a change in the town’s support for LGBTQIA+ residents, families and visitors. A town spokesperson said Swampscott remains committed to being an inclusive and welcoming community.
Some residents disputed the maintenance explanation. Michael Paquette questioned why the crosswalks were changed, while Laura Driscoll said the rainbow markings represented the town’s support for inclusion.
After residents raised concerns, town officials said Monday they were reviewing policies governing roadway markings, including markings funded through private donations. Residents will be able to comment at the Select Board meeting scheduled for Oct. 21.
The discussion will address both the town’s process for maintaining street markings and how community-funded expressions of inclusion are handled in public spaces.