A project to paint rainbow crosswalks in Midtown for the launch of Atlanta Pride began late Thursday at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, but the colors won’t last forever.
The city, citing safety concerns and state regulations, said the design cannot be permanent. It's a decision that Robert Sepulveda, president of the Atlanta Rainbow Crosswalks, and other organizers want reversed.
Sepulveda, whose organization uses public art to promote diversity, contends Mayor Kasim Reed’s office reneged on an initial pledge to allow the design for Atlanta Pride weekend to be permanent.
“They told us it would be a permanent installation to the city of Atlanta’s art collection,” Sepulveda told Channel 2 Action News. “Midtown is the epicenter for the LGBT community so it just makes sense.”
A ribbon cutting at the intersection will be Friday to launch Atlanta Pride. The rainbow crosswalks must be removed by Oct. 16.
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