Port Townsend council approves farmers‑market mural and rainbow crosswalks after public support

Port Townsend’s City Council voted May 11 to approve a street‑painting application from the Jefferson County Farmers Market that includes a farmers‑market mandala mural and three rainbow crosswalks at the Lawrence and Tyler intersection in Uptown.

Applicants described the project as a public‑safety and placemaking measure: market representatives said the design intentionally avoids painting over white lane lines and that temporary paint will be used for crosswalks that are scheduled for future street work, with permanent paint applied afterward. “Our proposal here is to make art together with our community,” one applicant said.

Supporters emphasized community outreach and the project’s affirmation of marginalized residents. Public commenters including longtime resident Julia Crawford urged council to “make history” by supporting the work as a celebration of community and queer visibility. Applicant Jason (representing the market) highlighted the careful review steps the project underwent, noting staff and commissions had suggested minor safety edits and that the project had gone through the public‑works and historic‑district review.

Council members asked about timeline, paint longevity where streets will be dug up, and coordination with public‑works for safety and future pavement projects. Council members expressed broad support for neighborhood murals and the farmers‑market design. The motion to approve carried with council vocal assent in the chamber.

Next steps: staff will finalize permitting details with public works, arts commission and historic‑district conditions, and the applicants will coordinate temporary versus permanent painting based on street‑work schedules.