Beaufort council approves rules for businesses on parts of Spanish Moss Trail

Nick Gregoire remains convinced the Depot Road trail head will prove a good location for someone's business, whether it is Gregoire's or not.

The Beaufort man spurred the city's decision to allow trail-related uses and other art and music-related ventures in the limited industrial district along the Spanish Moss Trail at Depot Road. He is not sure whether his plan for a bike rental business and cafe will take root nearby in the commercial building on Middleton Street, where he initially asked to set up shop.

But he thinks the area is ripe for a similar venture.

"It's going to be a fantastic opportunity for somebody, whether it be me or somebody else," said Gregoire, who has operated his Slowcountry Rentals bike service from his home the past two years.

Beaufort City Council unanimously approved the changes to the limited industrial area with a final vote Tuesday. The amendment carries certain restrictions, including limited operating hours, no alcohol or amplified music, and lighting guidelines.

Beaufort resident John Dickerson said the changes would produce a positive economic effect. He presented numbers from the Silver Comet Trail in Georgia that show users spend an average of $50 per visit.

Responses to city planning director Libby Anderson were mostly in favor of allowing the conditional uses, which would only be allowed in the limited industrial district and not in area residential areas.

"We did the math, and the majority of people were in favor of this," Councilman George O'Kelley said.

In addition to renting and selling bikes, Gregoire envisions selling coffee and protein shakes to trail users before and after their workouts. He expects traffic to grow as the trail continues to expand, eventually connecting Sands Beach in Port Royal to the Whale Branch area.

"I think that Beaufort is going to become a biker destination," Gregoire said. "They'll go out of their way to pass through Beaufort, because there is so many miles of traffic-free riding. And that's hard to find nowadays."

Follow reporter Stephen Fastenau at twitter.com/IPBG_Stephen.

Related content:

• Council gives nod to Spanish Moss Trail businesses, Sept. 8, 2015
• Despite armed robbery, victim says Spanish Moss Trail isn't dangerous, Aug. 27, 2015
• Spanish Moss trail gets $2 million toward three additions, Aug. 17, 2015

This story was originally published September 22, 2015 at 8:13 PM with the headline "Beaufort council approves rules for businesses on parts of Spanish Moss Trail."