By Lisa Carolin
Recently available prime downtown space in Chelsea was approved for new use by the Chelsea Planning Commission at its Jan.19 meeting.
Following two public hearings about 107 S. Main St. and 109 S. Main St., the former location of Vogel’s and Foster’s, special land use requests were approved by the commission for each space.
Julie Konkle, owner of Farm Sudz, LLC, received approval to establish a small maker/artisan space at 109 S. Main Street.
Farm Sudz, LLC makes and sells handmade natural skincare products. The business is currently located at 104 S. Main St., underneath Chelsea Print and Graphics. where 1/3 of the space is used for mixing, packaging, and labeling, and the remaining space is retail and office.
The same model is proposed for the new location. Farm Sudz, LLC obtained a special land use permit from the Planning Commission on Aug. 21, 2018 for its current location.
Konkle told the commission that black mold was discovered between the drywall and foundation of Farm Sudz, LLC’s current building and that they have no choice but to move.
The other applicant, who received approval for a special use permit, was Amy Collins, who plans to establish a banquet hall at 107 S. Main St. She owns Collins Off Main, a wedding/event venue located at 120 W. Middle St., which she would like to expand into a dedicated ceremony space.
Her application included an interior remodel sketch plan. She proposed to use the space as a ceremony space for weddings to reduce the stress of having to flip the space from banquet to reception.
In the 2021 Zoning Ordinance, banquet halls are now considered to be Special Land Uses.
During the planning commission’s discussion about approving the Banquet Hall, concerns were raised about holding simultaneous events at both of Collins’ downtown locations due to parking and traffic. Commission members also voiced concern about building modifications that keep with historical character and compatibility with existing uses and structure.
