Family and residents urge stronger rail safety measures after Redbank teen’s death

Jennifer Garcia read a letter from her daughter, Ava Garcia, during public comment at the Borough of Redbank council meeting, calling the May 13 train fatality involving a local child a “massive wake-up call” and urging structural fixes and education to prevent further tragedies. The letter, written by Ava and read aloud by Jennifer Garcia, said the town should prioritize repairing broken fences and entryways to the tracks, install physical barriers and thorny plantings, add warning signs, increase enforcement and bring train-safety education into schools.

Mayor William Portman said he had spoken with a New Jersey Transit board member and that many of the letter’s points aligned with that conversation. “I had a conversation with a New Jersey Transit board member yesterday and I’m impressed with how many of the points…your daughter hit on the head in that letter,” Portman said, adding that the borough was not at odds with the recommendations and would continue reviewing options.

Council members and other speakers described an immediate community response: an impromptu memorial near the tracks, schoolchildren and neighbors gathering to mourn, and local organizations collecting donations for the family. Council member Kate (first-name reference in the transcript) directed residents to an established fundraiser, noting the Redbank Bucks AF business Venmo for donations to assist the victim’s family.

No ordinance or formal action was adopted at the meeting to alter rail crossings or fencing; borough staff and the mayor indicated they would follow up with state transit representatives and review possible physical and educational interventions. Council members repeatedly framed next steps as an investigation of feasible, statutory options rather than a commitment to a particular remedy at the meeting.

The meeting record shows these were the main options suggested by community speakers: repair and secure known entry points to the tracks, add physical barriers or higher fencing at frequent crossing points, increase enforcement patrols and school-based safety programs, and add clearer signage and outreach. Borough officials repeatedly noted some measures would require coordination with state agencies or rail owners and that the borough’s authority over active rail lines is limited.

The council did not vote on any rail-safety ordinance at the session. Mayor Portman said staff would continue discussions with NJ Transit and other partners, and community advocates signaled they would press for a written plan and further updates at subsequent meetings.