Swampscott rainbow crosswalks vanish overnight, sparking controversy

Two rainbow crosswalks in Swampscott, Massachusetts, were suddenly painted over with white lines, and residents were left with questions.

The affected crosswalks are on Monument Avenue. Melissa Weinand discovered the change on her morning walk.

"I was dumbfounded. I was disappointed, and it seemed very intentional," she said.

The crosswalks, a symbol of LGBTQ inclusion, were repainted in rainbow colors just last year, thanks to a private donation.

"We're all about inclusion and supporting everybody, and we think the crosswalks represented that well for our town," said Laura Driscoll.

But town officials insist the change was made as part of regularly scheduled road work, not a change in their commitment to inclusion.

"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," a town spokesperson said in a statement. "Swampscott remains committed to being an inclusive and welcoming community for all."

Still, some residents question that explanation.

"What was the reasoning behind it? It wasn't routine maintenance," said Michael Paquette.

Now, the town is responding to the backlash. Officials said Monday that they're reviewing policies for roadway markings, including those funded by private donations.

"This was just a very small, beautiful way that our town was showing inclusivity, and it was disappeared in a night," said Weinand.

Residents are invited to weigh in at an Oct. 21 select board meeting.