Thanks again to everyone for supporting this movement,
First and foremost, it is to note that with the help of all supporters, and the resulting news coverage, conversations about renovations are being held by city officials. Mayor Brooks stated that "Everything is on the consideration board, it really depends on how much the university wants to partner and pay for it. And in addition to the fact of how much we can get approved". According to FOX Chattanooga, "the city has secured over $100 million in funding, and Brooks says it's possible that improvements at this crosswalk are added to this city's 'wish-list' of proposed projects." Additionally, Brooks commented that any further requests for renovations should also be directed to the TDOT since N. Ocoee St. is a state highway. I have sent this petition to state officials. If you would like to continue to help in this movement, you can contact local TDOT officials:
Region 2 TDOT director: Joe Deering (423.892.3430, Joe.Deering@tn.gov)
TDOT in Cleveland: (423) 478-0338 Chattanooga:(423) 892-3430
Additionally, it was confirmed that the lights were working that night. This answers speculations that the power outage may have prevented the safety mechanism from working. Thus, it does appear that the lights at the crosswalk have emergency power. This leaves one less option for change, but it overall supports the need for renovations. To me, the fact that these lights did work, better shows that the safety precautions currently in place are not doing everything they need to. If the driver still didn't stop with working lights, it exposes a safety concern for such dark and rainy conditions. Thus, three options of renovation still remain.
News links:
https://www.wdef.com/petition-created-at-lee-university-in-response-to-student-accident/