City officials look into plans for depot building on Spanish Moss Rail-Trail

As work on the first leg of the Spanish Moss Rail-Trail progresses — funded by a grant through the Atlanta-based PATH Foundation, financed by the James M. Cox Foundation — city of Beaufort officials are working on their own plans.
That includes figuring out what to do with the abandoned depot building officials envision as a focal point of the trail. Designs have included a market place and possibly a bike store. Members of the Redevelopment Commission discussed Thursday working on requests for proposals for the building, on which the city has a 99-year lease.
Work on the trail could begin as early as fall. The first leg will run between Allison and Depot roads and directly through the depot.
Chairman Jon Verity said city staff and officials are also looking into how the trail can tie into a sidewalk planned at the office building Beaufort Memorial Hospital is building at Allison and Ribaut roads.
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Also during Thursday’s meeting:
• Residential committee chairman Mike McNally presented an update on eight properties that could be rehabilitated or demolished and rebuilt. Lowcountry Housing Trust is contacting the owners and finding out their plans for the properties and what is needed in terms of financial assistance to proceed.
• The city has its permit from the S.C. Department of Transportation for the proposed new intersection of Boundary Street and Robert Smalls Parkway. Josh Martin of the Office of Civic Investment said it has taken about two years to get the permit. Designs show the intersection would be at a right angle.
• Commercial committee chairman Martin Goodman said his panel met with the financial committee to discuss incentives for drawing businesses for the area. He did not provide details, but said the panels are working on compiling a list.
• Goodman also said the committees spokes with city manager Scott Dadson about how the Redevelopment Commission can help with marketing of the Commerce Park the city is purchasing for $1.85 million.