Swampscott residents upset over removal of rainbow crosswalks

Swampscott officials say they’re revisiting town policies around roadway markings after the repainting of two rainbow-themed LGBTQ+ pride crosswalks spurred local debate. 

The two crosswalks were recently restriped as part of Swampscott’s “regularly scheduled maintenance of select roadway markings,” the town said in a statement Friday. 

But the change was met with mixed reception on social media, where some community members criticized the town’s decision to repaint and others suggested the crosswalk furor was a case of misplaced priorities. 

“Routine maintenance doesn’t require painting over colors in black,” Katie Murphy Arrington wrote in a public Facebook post. “Inclusivity matters. Visibility matters. And the choices our town makes send a message about the community we want to be.”

Town officials clarified the rainbow paint used on the crosswalks was “generously donated” and applied outside Swampscott’s regular roadway maintenance routine. Local news nonprofit Swampscott Tides reported that nine of the town’s 10 pride crosswalks were repainted last year for “just south of $8,000,” thanks to two donors. At the time, repainting just one crosswalk would have cost the town about $800, the news outlet added. 

Now, a GoFundMe to cover the cost of restoring Swampscott’s rainbow stripes has since raised $790 of a $5,000 goal. 

“Those crosswalks helped people feel that the town supported them and welcomed them,” the fundraiser’s description reads. “Now that they have been covered over, many people are feeling that support has been taken away.”

For its part, Swampscott says it “remains committed to being an inclusive and welcoming community for all,” with or without rainbow crosswalks.  

“The Town recognizes the significance these crosswalks have held for members of our community and appreciates the generosity and spirit behind their original installation,” the town said in Friday’s statement. “We want to be clear that this routine maintenance work does not reflect any change in the Town’s unyielding commitment to supporting and welcoming our LGBTQIA+ residents, families, and visitors.”

In an update Monday, Swampscott acknowledged residents’ concerns about the crosswalk restriping and said officials “understand the importance these markings hold for members of our community.”

“The Town is also reviewing the policies and procedures surrounding roadway markings, including those supported through private donations, to ensure there is a clear and consistent process moving forward,” Swampscott officials added, encouraging residents to share their perspectives and “participate in a dialogue” at the Select Board’s Oct. 21 meeting.

“We appreciate the community’s engagement and will continue to approach this matter thoughtfully,” the town vowed.

Abby Patkin is a general assignment news reporter whose work touches on public transit, crime, health, and everything in between. She has been covering the Lindsay Clancy murder case since January 2023.