Rainbow Crosswalks Reappear in Montrose After City Removal

Rainbow Colors Return to Montrose

• 🎨 Rainbow colors have reappeared at the intersection of Westheimer and Taft in Montrose, hours after the city removed the original crosswalks.
• 🖌️ Protesters used spray paint to add rainbow colors to the wheelchair access points of the sidewalks and plan to paint the entire intersection.
• 📣 Political messages were also spray-painted on the sidewalks as part of the protest.

City's Justification for Removal

• ⚠️ The city stated the removal of the rainbow crosswalks was in accordance with a directive from the governor and the Department of Transportation.
• 💰 This directive was reportedly to avoid losing federal funding.

Community Reaction and Response

• 💔 The removal sparked frustration and sadness within the LGBTQ+ community and the Montrose neighborhood.
• ✨ Residents expressed happiness that someone was taking action to restore the colors, with some aiming to make the chalk art more permanent.
• 📞 Efforts to reach Metro and the Texas Department of Transportation for comment have been unsuccessful.
• 🗣️ Harris County Judge Lena Hidalgo is expected to weigh in on the situation, addressing who she blames for the crosswalks' removal.