SEYMOUR -– The Seymour Board of Selectpersons April 15 heard a presentation from U.M. ARMY (United in Mission: Action Reach-Out Ministry by Youth), a Texas-based, faith-focused nonprofit (with a New England division) that provides free home repairs and maintenance needs for low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners, with a focus on veterans and seniors.
A group of about 50 U.M. ARMY youths and adults will be in Seymour the week of July 13.
Laura Perregaux, president of the organization’s Northeast division, talked to Seymour officials about the program.
“We’ve gone to communities all over New England to provide homeowners with work that’s needed that they can’t do themselves or can’t afford,” Perregaux told the board.
According to their Facebook page, the organization completed more than 2,400 projects representing 425 homes in 33 different communities in 2024.
“It’s an incredible organization,” Perregaux said. “We go out there and we do a lot of work, whether it’s painting, yard work, building access ramps, fixing stairs, cutting grass or trees. It’s amazing the work the kids do, and the adults are there to facilitate. We can’t wait to be in Seymour and do some work.”
Perregaux said a group of about 50 youths and adults with U.M. ARMY will be staying at the Great Hill United Methodist Church for the week they’re in town. Their workday will start around 7:30 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.
“This sounds like a very worthwhile cause, and we look forward to having you in Seymour,” said Selectman Pat Lombardi.
Gina Grubbs, the Northeast regional director for U.M. ARMY, said the goal is to complete at least 15 projects within the week. She said a pre-site assessment of the work slated for residents’ homes will take place sometime in June.
Residents who’d like to request help can contact Grubbs at 914 – 330-2599 or by email [email protected].
Seymour Board Considers Selling Town-Owned Land
SEYMOUR – The Seymour Board of Selectpersons voted April 15 to have an appraisal done on a one-acre parcel of town-owned land at the corner of 35 Cogwheel Lane and 136 New Haven Road (Route 67).
Resident Pat Knott wants to purchase the parcel for a future development project, according to First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis.
“He’s looking at putting in apartments there and needs the town land for additional parking,” Drugonis said.
Knott hasn’t submitted any plans yet to the town’s land-use boards. If he’s able to acquire the town land, Knott said he’ll move ahead with a design phase and then submit applications to the various town boards.
“We are looking to build 51 luxury apartments,” Knott told The Valley Indy via an email. “I have been a resident and business owner for 45 years and watched all the neighboring Valley towns grow and expand businesses. Seymour has been stagnant, and I would like to help Seymour’s tax base grow and present a pleasant entry into Seymour from Woodbridge and help make our town more attractive.”
Drugonis said anything to help grow the town’s grand list is always a good thing.
“Economic development isn’t just stores, it’s also housing,” Drugonis said. “People are looking for apartments and we’re always looking to bring more people to Seymour, to both live and work.”
