Kelly, Berthel Applaud Grant to Help Seymour Rebuild After Downtown Fire

Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-21) and Senator Eric Berthel (R-32) are applauding the state’s approval of a state grant for the Town of Seymour through the state’s Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program.

The $686,770 grant will assist the town in developing a vacant parcel across from the Seymour Metro-North Waterbury Branch Line railroad station and at the corner of Bank Street and Main. Once acquired, the town will prepare the site for development and issue a request for proposals for qualified developers to enter into a joint-development agreement for a mixed-use transit-oriented development project. The former building on the property was destroyed in a structural fire.

“The fire that destroyed this property and displaced multiple local businesses was devastating. To see this grant approved is a positive step forward and I commend the hard work of so many in Seymour who advocated for this investment and redevelopment effort in the heart of Seymour’s downtown right near the rail station,” said Senator Kevin Kelly. “Thank you to First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis, Seymour town staff, Rep. Klarides-Ditria, Senator Berthel, and state officials at DOT and OPM for working together and recognizing the value of this investment for Seymour and the Valley. I also want to thank the local organizations that came together when the building was destroyed to support our small business owners and their families. The Seymour community has grown and come together when faced with challenges, and I look forward to seeing this exciting revitalization effort move forward to benefit all of Seymour and the Valley.”

“Thank you to the State Bond Commission for approving this investment into our community,” said Senator Eric Berthel. “This funding will enable this vacant parcel to be transformed into a hub of activity, grow our economy and make Seymour a destination for more families in Connecticut.”

A total of $6.8 million in state grants to fund seven projects in six municipalities across Connecticut under a competitive grant program that supports transit-oriented development and is targeted at boosting economic activity and creating jobs. The grant is part of the state’s Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM). The program provides grants for shovel-ready capital projects located within one-half mile of existing public transportation facilities and promotes the development of infrastructure with the goal of creating walkable, mixed-use spaces that support vibrant, sustainable, and equitable communities.