CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A small cross with some fading flowers sits alongside Snowden Street in Chesapeake.
“They lost a beautiful young girl around the corner that did a lot for the community and everything. A real good kid,” said neighbor Randy Boyer.
Boyer said Taylor’s death could have been easily avoided if a couple of basic safety enhancements were installed.
“I don’t know how many people have got to get killed before it justifies crossing gates,” said Boyer.
Boyer said during the late-night hours it’s difficult to see or hear trains coming.
"You got other stuff on your mind, and you come across there and you aren’t thinking or you have something else on your mind. It’s a pretty big blind spot up there anyway,” said Boyer.
In May, the city allocated $250,000 for cross arms and lights. They are now working together with the railroad company, CSX, to get the project complete but so far there is no timetable.
“I want to see some action. I want to see something getting done,” said Jennifer Shrader.
Shrader started a petition demanding the gates and lights. So far she has received more than 15,000 signatures.
“It’s still in circulation because I don’t want to be here in a year talking to you because we don’t have them up so that’s just to ensure they get done in a timely manner,” said Shrader.
Shrader’s family business is right next to the tracks. They think about Taylor every single day.
“Actually, my son is the one who found her, so it hit home because my kids cross here. It could have easily been one of them,” said Shrader.
Shrader said she hopes the city and railroad understand patience across the community is running thin.
“Every day does count because every day we risk losing someone else’s life,” said Shrader.