It isn’t often new stop lights spark a celebration, but for the Ledbetter neighborhood in west Dallas a new light is a symbol of hope that may prevent another senseless death.
The lights are at the corner of Singleton Boulevard and Weisenberger Drive.
Dallas City Councilwoman Monica Alonzo flipped the switch during a ceremony Saturday afternoon surrounded by a couple dozen community members.
“It was very emotional, without a doubt,” said Alonzo.
The process of getting the light installed started seven months ago after a crash killed three siblings nearby, at the intersection of Singleton Boulevard and Peoria Avenue.
Security cameras captured the collision on March 28.
Investigators said a speeding driver slammed into the Dodge Stratus car the siblings were riding in. Two more people in the Stratus, including the mother of the children and another sibling, survived the crash.
The oncoming driver, Xavier Mandell Taylor, has been charged in connection with the deaths.
The victims include 11-year-old Pamela Mendoza, 7-year-old Brian Mendoza and 3-year-old Elizabeth Mendoza.
The childrens' uncle, Rogelio Mendoza, attended Saturday’s ceremony.
“It’s going to be better for the community,” he said.
Neighbors said they've asked for new stop lights for years because drivers are known to speed down Singleton Boulevard.
The say the new lights are a step in the right direction.
City officials said the cost of the project is about $75,000.
