Council gives nod to Spanish Moss Trail businesses
Judith Warrington sometimes has people wander over to her building on Middleton Street and ask if there is somewhere to have lunch along the Spanish Moss Trail.
"I've always had to say, 'No,'" Warrington wrote in a July letter to planning officials considering changes to a section of the trail. "It would be nice to finally be able to say, 'Yes.'"
"Yes" took a step forward Tuesday.
A proposal that would allow certain businesses to operate along the Depot Road area of the Spanish Moss Trail received unanimous approval on a first vote from the Beaufort City Council on Tuesday. The amendment needs one more vote to pass.
The change targets only the area near Depot Road currently zoned limited industrial.
The updating zoning would allow trail-related operations, like bike rentals and cafes. The amendment also would include "artisan studios and workshops," which could house craftsmen like furniture and jewelry makers, artists and musicians.
A construction business, coffee supply company and plumber are among the tenants currently in the area.
Several people spoke in favor of the change Tuesday, including Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce president Blakely Williams and Beaufort resident John Dickerson.
"It is an area in need of some redevelopment and sprucing up," Councilman Stephen Murray said. "... I think it is consistent with what we want near the trail."
The city's civic master plan envisions the industrial buildings as small-business incubators, spaces for woodworkers, cabinet makers and similar craftsmen. The plan also foresees possible demand for bike rentals, small grocery stores and multi-use, live-work buildings.
Under the proposal, the businesses would have to operate within 200 feet of the trail, not play amplified music and be limited to operating between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Alcohol sales would be prohibited, and businesses with outside seating would require trash cans.
Lighting restrictions would also be in place.
Proponents of the change point to successful examples like the Swamp Rabbit Trail running through Greenville and Travelers Rest, which has reinvigorated once-blighted areas and buildings along the trail.
In a letter from Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail to planners supporting the change, board members said Depot Road was the most developed urban area along the trail and a logical place for small businesses. Making the trailhead a hub of activity will improve the look of the area and increase use from residents and visitors, board members said.
"We believe this is a very important piece of improvement for the trail, the neighborhood and the city as a whole," Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail director Dean Moss told council members. "I think it will enhance all kinds of things in that area."
Anderson alerted area residents to the possible changes in July and invited comments to pass along to the Metropolitan Planning Commission, which has since endorsed the amendment.
One resident said there would be no negative affect on area property owners and said the idea was thoughtful and forward-thinking.
Not all residents approved, some citing parking concerns and a slippery slope with what eventually might be allowed.
"We don't have any way of knowing what they might come up with to add to the neighborhood," one resident, who has lived in the area almost 50 years, wrote in reply to Anderson.
"Next thing you know, there'll be a mini-mall in here," another resident said.
Council's approval came while echoing concerns about parking as the area grows.
New buildings in the area or additions to existing buildings would require on-site parking. Incoming trail-related businesses also would be required to offer on-site parking, Anderson said.
Follow reporter Stephen Fastenau at twitter.com/IPBG_Stephen.
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This story was originally published September 8, 2015 at 8:54 PM with the headline "Council gives nod to Spanish Moss Trail businesses."