News Summary
San Antonio’s beloved Rainbow Crosswalk has been restored following damage from a water main break in January. The city is completing repairs at a cost of $32,500, which includes contributions from Pride San Antonio. The restoration coincides with the March for Us event celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility, highlighting the city’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and promoting inclusivity.
Rainbow Crosswalk in San Antonio Restored After Damage from Water Main Break
In a city known for its vibrant culture and welcoming spirit, San Antonio has found a way to bring back a beloved symbol of diversity and inclusion. The Rainbow Crosswalk, nestled at the intersection of Main Avenue and Evergreen Street, has undergone repair following an unfortunate incident earlier this year. A water main break in January forced local workers to cut into the street, causing significant damage to the colorful crossing that represents the LGBTQ+ community.
The Restoration Process
As the city moves forward with restoring the crosswalk, residents can expect completion by Wednesday or Thursday. Experts have determined that the total cost for repainting the rainbow crosswalk will be a hefty $32,500. Thankfully, the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is stepping up to the plate, agreeing to reimburse the city for the repair work needed.
Of the total cost, $19,832 will come from a private donation sourced from Pride San Antonio, while the city will cover the remaining balance of $12,668. This amount is considered to be the standard replacement cost for crosswalks in the area. Interestingly, city officials couldn’t locate any records regarding when the crosswalk was last painted or how much that job cost. It’s thought that the last repainting may have happened around 2014, as part of a larger street maintenance project.
Breaking Down the Costs
So just how is that total cost broken down? Glad you asked! Here’s a quick look:
- $760 for removing existing pavement markings
- $8,368 for new line markings
- $1,800 for hiring a uniformed police officer during the work
- $1,740 for sealant
It’s important to note that typical crosswalk markings last around three to five years, meaning this colorful landmark will need some TLC in the not-too-distant future as well!
A Coinciding Celebration
Organized by Rain Garcia, the founder of the nonprofit Unfiltered Wings, the march is a crucial step in uplifting voices that often go unheard. Various organizations are joining forces to provide essential resources like medical care and housing assistance, ensuring all participants feel supported and understood.
The City’s Support for the LGBTQ+ Community
The momentum doesn’t stop there! San Antonio’s Mayor has consistently advocated against anti-trans legislation in Texas, aiming to create a safe and accepting environment for the LGBTQ+ community. In line with these efforts, the city has recently approved the creation of a permanent LGBTQ+ advisory board. This initiative aims to continue valuable dialogues and support for queer residents, ensuring that everyone in San Antonio feels welcome and celebrated.
This coinciding restoration of the Rainbow Crosswalk and the enthusiastic March for Us event exemplify the city’s commitment to embracing diversity and fostering a culture that values every individual. As the crosswalk gets repainted, it symbolizes not just a vibrant crossing, but also the determined spirit of a community working towards a more inclusive future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Water Main Break Disrupts San Antonio’s Rainbow Crosswalk
Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: LGBTQ+
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: Rainbow Crosswalks
- Fox San Antonio
- Google Scholar: LGBTQ+ Representation Infrastructure
- Express News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Diversity and Inclusion
- KENS 5
- Google News: San Antonio LGBTQ Events
