Does the Flea Market Have a Future?
March 24, 2011, page 4.....

The Selectboard did not renew the lease with the prior tenants nor seek a new tenant, for the Charlotte Flea Market this year. The tenants have been asked to remove all of the tables, tent frames, structures and other personal property located on the five-acre site, with the deadline extended to May 1. Under the terms of their lease this was supposed to have been done within one month from the date of termination, after which it “shall be deemed abandoned” and quit claimed to the town.

If that were to happen, there is a possibility of funds through the Chittenden County Solid Waste District for the disposal of the leftovers.

But then what? Nothing has been planned for the site for this summer. The Selectboard has not formally explored a new direction or assigned that task to an existing or new committee. Will the land remain vacant, a dumping ground and surreptitious campground?

The location is on Route 7 in the Village Commercial Zone. It is part of the town owned Burns Property, which extends all the way west to Greenbush Road. There is plentiful water in the town owned well on the site. These attributes suggest a number of potential uses that might benefit the people of Charlotte. Here are a few that have been suggested:

Festival Marketplace - The Charlotte Flea Market once had a festive atmosphere, with over 100 vendors of antiques and collectibles, crafts, new and used merchandise, jewelry, furniture, clothing. Add to that music and entertainment, farmers market, craft demonstrations and food service. This low-impact seasonal use would be an opportunity for entrepreneurs as well as for local nonprofits and residents to rent space to sell items to tourists, summer residents and locals.

Shop Charlotte - Taking advantage of the Route 7 location, the town could have an easily accessible year-round commercial development with shops, bank, restaurant and more.

Affordable and/or Senior Housing - The site is large enough for multiple units of housing. Route 7 provides easy access, while to the west the natural areas of the Burns Property would provide a pleasant residential setting.

Seasonal Trailhead with Hostel for Runners, Hikers and Bikers - With a system of trails connecting west to Greenbush Road as well as north-south with the connector trail being developed by the Trails Committee, this could be the launching site for marathons, triathlons and recreational biking and hiking. A campground or hostel could provide overnight accommodations for out of town participants.

Readers with suggestions and enthusiasm for tackling an interesting project are encouraged to send additional ideas to The Charlotte News via e-mail to news@charlottenewsvt.com.

- Nancy Wood, Editor