STUART, Fla. – Plans to build the first-ever Brightline station on the Treasure Coast may be facing complications.
On August 12, the City of Stuart approved an agreement with Brightline to lease a downtown property near the county courthouse at 500 Southeast Flagler Ave.
On Monday, Stuart city councilors voted to revisit the lease with Brightline at their Sept. 9 meeting.
After the city’s vote The Martin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday postponed a vote on approving the lease and raising an additional $15 million.
WATCH: Public comments during Martin County Board of County Commissioners meeting
Public comment during the Martin County Board of County Commissioners meeting
“I think in this situation, all five commissioners need to hear the update and also there has been some movement in the city that we need to better understand,” County Administrator Don Donaldson said during the meeting.
At the district meeting, residents expressed concerns about the amount of costs the district would have to pay.
“You don’t need Brightline to wag its tail. You can just stand up and say, ‘Here’s the agreement. Take it or leave it. If you don’t like it, enjoy your station in Fort Pierce,'” said Martin County resident Michael Syrkus.
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The plan includes more than 250 parking spaces and calls for paying Brightline $800,000 to market the new station. Martin County, which will also contribute to the cost, is meeting Tuesday.
The residents we spoke to said they wanted their voices heard and were concerned about the potential costs to them.
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“You have to listen to people. Think about the average family or an individual like me,” said Martin County resident Denise Chesley.
Some residents said this could make traveling along the coast easier.
“I would like to visit other parts of Florida along the coast that are pretty difficult to get to by car. This makes it a lot easier,” said Martin County resident Bryan Nedwed.
In the meantime, the delays are good news for those who are worried.
WATCH: Residents and businesses have mixed feelings about Brightline stop in Stuart
Residents and businesses have mixed feelings about the Brightline stop in Stuart
“You just have to get around Stuart with this move,” Murray said.
“It would make my life a lot easier and also all my customers from the south could come here, check out our area and possibly expand their business in this region,” Tola said.
If approved, the City of Stuart will provide $30 million, in addition to $15 million from Martin County.
The question now is: Can the city and the district agree on how the plan can be continued?
