San Antonio will begin work this week to install rainbow-themed sidewalk art along Main Street in the city’s Pride Cultural Heritage District — a step the city previously outlined when it agreed to remove the district’s rainbow crosswalks after the Texas Department of Transportation denied an exemption request.
By Diego Medel
Image: The City of San Antonio will install rainbow sidewalks this week in replacement of the rainbow crosswalks on Main Street. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
San Antonio will begin work this week to install rainbow-themed sidewalk art along Main Street in the city’s Pride Cultural Heritage District — a step the city previously outlined when it agreed to remove the district’s rainbow crosswalks after the Texas Department of Transportation denied an exemption request.
District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur said in a statement posted Wednesday on Instagram that crews from the city’s Public Works Department will begin work this week. Minor sidewalk repairs will take place before painting begins on the new art installation.
Kaur said the design was developed with input from the city’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and is intended to maintain the district’s visibility and inclusivity following the state’s removal of the crosswalks.
“Though we’re sad to see the removal of the Rainbow Crosswalk, we’re excited to show y’all what’s coming next for Main Street,” Kaur wrote.
The planned artwork has drawn criticism from District 9 Council member Marc Whyte and District 10 Council member Misty Spears, who released a joint statement Wednesday objecting to the use of Public Works funds for the project.
The council members said public money should prioritize basic infrastructure needs and argued taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund individual viewpoints.
According to their statement, the sidewalk project is expected to cost about $170,000.
