Montrose Residents Repaint Rainbow Crosswalks After City Removal

Rainbow Crosswalks Reappear in Montrose

• 🎨 Residents in Houston's Montrose neighborhood repainted rainbow crosswalks using spray paint and chalk early this morning.
• 💡 This action occurred just hours after city crews removed the original rainbow crosswalks that had been present for months.

Reasons for Removal and Community Reaction

• ⚠️ The city stated the removal was in accordance with a directive from the governor and the department of transportation to avoid losing federal funding.
• 💔 Many in the LGBTQ+ community and Montrose residents viewed the crosswalks as a symbol of pride and visibility, expressing frustration and sadness over their removal.
• ✨ Residents expressed happiness that action was taken to restore the colors, aiming to make the display more permanent.

Official Response and Investigation

• 📸 Houston police were present, documenting the repainted crosswalks and sidewalks, noting that the act has moved from art to vandalism.
• ⚖️ Harris County Judge Lena Hidalgo criticized Metro, suggesting they could have sought an exemption or taken legal action, and questioned the decision-making process behind the instant removal.
• ❓ Efforts to get answers from Metro and the Texas Department of Transportation are ongoing, with responses still pending.