SALISBURY, MD - Supporters of the Pride crosswalks at the intersection of South Division Street and West/East Market Street gathered downtown Tuesday morning after the City of Salisbury announced plans to replace them.
Dozens of ralliers held hand-painted signs with the words "impeach Randy" and "these colors don't run."
Salisbury neighbor Liz Webster was among the crowd that gathered near City Headquarters.
"The crosswalk means a lot to me because it's all about representation and inclusion," Webster said. "It's not neutrality, it's hostility."
Mayor Randy Taylor said the city must ensure "neutrality in public spaces" and avoid political or ideological affiliations.
"We recognize it's a politically targeted move to further marginalize a minority community," Dr. Nicole Hollywood, a Salisbury PFLAG (Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) board member, said.
Salisbury City Council District 4 Representative Michele Gregory joined the gathered supporters. She said the community has made it clear that they do not want the crosswalks to change.
"This is something that's a pet project of the mayor's when we have much bigger fish to fry," Gregory said. "We need affordable housing, we need greater access to resources, we have a growing homeless population ... this does nothing to solve that."
On Tuesday, WBOC also spoke to multiple community members who support Mayor Taylor's plan. They declined to go on camera for fear of retaliation.
Some said they do not feel that the current crosswalk design reflects their identity and that a design incorporating the American flag may be more inclusive.
The Salisbury Human Rights Advisory Committee advised Mayor Taylor on the Crosswalk Canvas project. Committee member Daniel McBride said people may misunderstand the redesign's intention.
"A lot of city residents feel that this move is to undermine certain community members who may have dissenting opinions from the mayor," McBride said. "I don't think that's necessarily the case ... I think it could be really fruitful."
‘The Crosswalk Canvas' initiative includes a $3,000 stipend for design and implementation. The deadline to submit the design is June 30th. Installation is scheduled for September 14, 2025, and will remain for 2 years.