‘It seems intentional’: Massachusetts town officials face questions over rainbow crosswalk removals

As Pride rainbow crosswalks have been erased in conservative states across the country, officials in one Massachusetts town must explain why the same happened there.Residents of Swampscott, about 15 miles north of Boston, are demanding answers after two rainbow crosswalks painted in support of the LGBTQ+ community were restriped in black and white by town officials.On October 9, Swampscott officials posted on the town’s website and Facebook page that “regularly scheduled maintenance” had taken place and acknowledged that “two crosswalks that had previously been painted in rainbow colors in recognition and support of the LGBTQIA+ community were restriped,” though they said the work did not signal a change in the town’s support for LGBTQ+ residents.Related: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy implies rainbow crosswalks could lead to traffic dangers“The Town recognizes the significance these crosswalks have held for members of our community and appreciates the generosity and spirit behind their original installation. 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,” the post reads.“Swampscott remains committed to being an inclusive and welcoming community for all," the post continues. The town disabled comments on the post.Some residents remain skeptical, though.“I was dumbfounded and disappointed — it seems intentional,” Melissa Weinand told ABC affiliate WCVB. “I know they’re saying it’s routine maintenance, but if that's the case then there should have been more discussion about potentially adding the color back, which there clearly has not been.”Related: Red states are destroying their rainbow crosswalks. Here's what you should knowIn a Facebook post, resident Katie Murphy Arrington called the town’s response “unacceptable.”“Our gorgeous crosswalks are more than colorful streets ?