Stuart Cancels $60 Million Brightline Deal

Описание: The future of a Brightline station on the Treasure Coast is once again uncertain.
After hours of debate and public input, Stuart leaders ultimately decided to hit the brakes on adding a Brightline stop.
During a lengthy meeting that lasted until 11 p.m. Monday night, two main issues were discussed. The first was whether to cancel the ground lease agreement with Brightline, which was decided with a 3-2 vote. The second was whether to cancel the updated agreement with Martin County, which was also decided with a 3-2 vote.
However, this doesn’t mean the idea of a Treasure Coast stop is entirely derailed.
“We’re confident that tonight’s actions don’t reflect the wishes of the majority of business owners and residents who have supported Brightline’s efforts to bring a station to Martin County. We’ll work with all cities and counties in the Treasure Coast to determine next steps for a Brightline station,” Ben Porritt, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs with Brightline, told CBS12’s Katie Bente.
The high-speed commuter train currently passes the Treasure Coast daily, with previously existing plans to soon include Stuart as one of its stops.
Following last month’s meeting, Stuart’s city commission has been having second thoughts about hosting a Brightline station, and the community is voicing its concerns.
Residents packed City Hall on Monday night, many wearing yellow in support of Brightline.
One resident expressed frustration, saying, "Without that station, the train is nothing but an inconvenience to everyone in Stuart."
Another noted, "A few months ago, we were all celebrating, high-fiving. How things change so quickly, and it really rests on five people sitting in front of me, whether or not it happens or not it's just incredible. After we kind of thought this was done and we celebrated it."
At the heart of the debate is a $60 million price tag, which was set to be shared between Stuart, Martin County, and Brightline. The first $30 million was to be paid exclusively by the city and the county.
Supporters argue that the station will be a game-changer, bringing jobs, tourism, and a much-needed boost to the downtown area.
One supporter pointed out, "The wealthiest people in American history made their money on railroads."
Another supporter added, "It would be a wonderful thing for Stuart to have a train station. It’s the one thing Stuart’s missing."
However, not everyone shares this view. Some are concerned that the costs might burden taxpayers.
One resident said, "To me, this situation wasn’t looked over thoroughly."
Another added, "We want a train, but with a proper deal and negotiations that work for your constituents."
There is concern that rescinding the lease might mean the Treasure Coast could miss out on a station entirely.
Although Stuart won the initial bid, Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County have been advocating for a station at a 2.4-acre site behind the Sunrise Theatre—a proposal local officials are still considering.
Brightline is expected to be discussed at Tuesday’s Martin County Commission meeting. However, without Stuart’s involvement, it remains uncertain how much progress can be made.

For more on this story visit:
https://cbs12.com/news/local/stuart-c...
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