Mohawk Valley Times

Assemblyman Robert Smullen held a press conference at the Bellevue Woman’s Center on March 3, 2025, to unveil a memorial sign for his late son, Alexander John “AJ” Smullen. AJ passed away on March 6, 2024, in Albany after being hit by a car on February 22, 2024. He was 14 years old. The event saw participation from state legislators, local and state organizations, friends, and community residents.

Smullen expressed gratitude for the support received: “Seeing so many people here to help us honor and remember AJ warms our hearts,” he said. “We are touched by the incredible support and are grateful for the opportunity to unveil this sign to not only memorialize AJ but also help remind every driver to pay attention, slow down and help save lives.”

The assemblyman and Niskayuna residents are urging action on traffic issues along New York Route 7. This highway claimed another pedestrian's life on February 25, 2025. The accident occurred near Bellevue Woman’s Center shortly after Smullen introduced the "Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law" in Albany. This law would allow purchasing signs to memorialize victims of fatal vehicle collisions while raising awareness about driving dangers.

“It is absolutely tragic to see yet another life lost along this particular stretch of roadway,” Smullen stated. He questioned how many more lives must be lost before action is taken: “How many near misses have occurred in the past few years? We cannot ignore the imminent need for improved traffic safety laws to keep both pedestrians and drivers safe."

Smullen urged immediate action from the New York State Department of Transportation commissioner: “Our memorial sign program is a great start, but further action is needed," he concluded.