An Atlanta musician and LGBTQ advocate has revived an issue that many may have forgotten: The city’s promise, later withdrawn, to permanently paint a Midtown crosswalk the colors of the rainbow or transgender flag.
An online petition posted in early April by Sarah Rose, urging Atlanta to restore the rainbow crosswalks at 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, had gathered more than 20,500 signatures as of the middle of last week. The goal is 25,000.
“10th and Piedmont is considered by many to be the ‘epicenter’ of Atlanta’s LGBTQ district,” Rose said in her petition. “Join me in urging Atlanta’s city officials to make the 10th and Piedmont pride crosswalk a permanent Atlanta fixture – with the rainbow or trans pride flags, or a combination of both.”
“Making it a permanent installation would be a gesture really affirming what the LGBTQ community contributes and means to the city,” Rose told the AJC’s Shelia M. Poole.
The crosswalks had been painted for Atlanta Pride weekend, Oct. 9-11, 2015. Pride organizers initially thought the display would be permanent, but they were informed otherwise by the Department of Public Works – the colors would have to be removed after the festival ended.
At the time, Mayor Kasim Reed said in a statement to Georgia Voice, the LGBTQ news site, “Unlike most artwork in the city’s collection, public safety is a significant factor in determining when to display the Rainbow Crosswalks.” Reed cited Federal Highway Administration rules for traffic control devices in not making it permanent.
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Is it appropriate for the LGBTQ community – or anyone else, for that matter – to insist the city permanently paint on a public street a symbol of their movement? Also, could it be a safety issue, as Reed indicated? Tell us what you think. Send comments by email to communitynews@ajc.com
Recent announcements that the I-85 bridge that burned and collapsed over a month ago will be opened ahead of schedule was music to many metro ears. In the meantime, we asked readers to give tips and advice to fellow commuters on how to weather the ride.
Here’s what some readers had to say:
Two words: Ride MARTA! — Bill Jackson
Telecommute and work longer hours is how I cope. I only come into the office two days a week. Why didn't the boss think of that sooner! — Mary Williams
I am a native Atlanta of 60 years old. I live in Candler Park and about 7 miles from my job, a 20 minute MARTA train ride away. I didn't know the bridge collapsed until 10 p.m. when I got a phone call. Since then my commute has been absolutely unaffected. I still ride MARTA, maybe with more riders than before that haven't paid the taxes for decades like I have but it's a civic tragedy and such free loading must be overlooked at this time. When it's all fixed I'll still be riding the train, reading my book, texting during my 20 minute commute only I'll be more likely to have a seat. — Edwin Pritchett
I live on Buford Highway between Lenox and North Druid Hills. Luckily, My work hours are very early so I have managed to avoid heavy early morn g traffic. However, the afternoon drive is another story. It boils down to the "me"first attitude of Atlanta drivers. I'm guilty of it too, although I've really worked on my patience with this experience. I try to do all my errands at once, and when I'm home I stay there. We're eating at home a lot these days. — Greg Johnson
I'm better at bundling trips. And if I don't need to go someplace, I just stay home. But as the weather gets nicer, I'm glad the bridge will be done soon. — Joey B.
Books on tape have kept me from going crazy. My commute has doubled and some days tripled. — Andrea Brown
Pamela Miller for the AJC
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