Chelsea, Vermont, Development Review Board
Meeting Minutes December 18, 2024
Members Present: Johanna Welch (Chair), Ed Kuban, Charles Peel
Others Present: Josef Cox, Melissa Cox, Cynthia Masterman (by phone),, Mary Ellen Parkman
(ZA)
Johanna opened the meeting at 6:00 pm. The hearing began with a reading of the notice as
posted and published. No conflicts of interest or ex-parte conversations were disclosed. Johanna
reviewed the definition of interested parties and explained the hearing process and swore in
attendees. The DRB moved directly to the first agenda item.
Conditional Use Review of Application #ZP24-21 by (Diane) Melissa Cox and Josef Cox to change
the use of an existing accessory structure to a retail shop. This property is located in the Village
District at 282 VT Route 110 (Parcel#010-047.000).
Johanna invited the applicant to review their application and plans. Melissa explained that she had
grow up in Chelsea and they were back part time splitting their time between Chelsea and the Cape.
She has own several retail business and now wants to convert an existing 12’x20’ existing accessory
structure on her property into a retail shop that sells a mix of old and new with a French flair. The
shop would sell an assortment of things including french soaps, lavender, and jewelry.
It is anticipated that the business hours will be 11-4 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The building
already has electricity and there is no plan to add heat. It will be a seasonal business.
Johannas asked about lighting and signage, would there be water or sewer? The plan is to use a
temporary sandwich board to announce the shop and hang a flag. The ZA added that any sign
mounted on the building or a post at the entry would require a Zoning Permit. They may add a light
over the doorway that will be downward facing. There is no plan to add water or sewer.
Cynthia Masterman participated as an interested person via. telephone and stated that she is
concerned that the application mentions 4 parking spaces at the side of the driveway. Her property
borders the driveway and currently the construction workers have recently parked beyond the
driveway on her property.
Melissa and Josef were quick to respond that they understood the concern. They modified their
application to read 2 parking spaces near the building and four parking spaces along Route 110. They
don’t expect more than a couple of cars at a time.
Charles made a motion to close the hearing, Patty seconded the motion and the hearing was
closed at 6:20pm.
Deliberation:
At 6:20 the Board went into deliberation. Based on the application and information as presented,
the DRB unanimously voted to approve application ZP#24-21 provided parking be limited to 2
parking spaces near the store building and on-street parking.
The DRB meeting ended at 6:35 pm.
Submitted by,
Mary Ellen Parkman
DRB Clerk
