STUART, Fla. — There could be a wrinkle in the plan to put the first-ever Brightline station on the Treasure Coast.
On Aug. 12, the city of Stuart approved an agreement with Brightline to lease a spot downtown near the county courthouse at 500 Southeast Flagler Ave.
On Monday, Stuart city commissioners voted to bring up the lease agreement again with Brightline at their meeting on Sept. 9.
Following the city’s vote, the Martin County Board of County commissioners on Tuesday postponed a vote to approve the lease agreement and chip in another $15 million.
WATCH: Public comment during Martin County Board of County commissioners meeting
“I think in that situation we need all five commissioners to hear the update and also there’s been some movement with the city that we need to better understand,” County Administrator Don Donaldson said during the meeting.
Residents at the county meeting voiced concerns about how much the county would have to pay.
“You don’t need Brightline to wag your tail, you guys can simply stand-up and say here’s the agreement, take it or leave it, if you don’t like it, Fort Pierce enjoy your station,” said Martin County resident Michael Syrkus.
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Brightline announces Stuart as home to new Treasure Coast station
The plan calls for more than 250 parking spaces and includes paying Brightline $800,000 for marketing the new station. Martin County, which is also going to help foot the cost, is meeting on Tuesday.
Residents we spoke with said they want their voices heard and are worried about how this could cost them.
"They need to hear people's voices. Take the average family or a single person like myself into consideration," Martin County resident Denise Chesley said.
Some residents said they think this could make traveling along the coast easier.
"I would like to go to other parts of Florida, up and down the coast, that are kind of a pain to drive. So with this, it's a lot easier," said Martin County resident Bryan Nedwed.
In the meantime, the delays are good news for those who are worried.
WATCH: Residents, businesses share mixed emotions about Brightline stop in Stuart
“They just need to bypass Stuart with this train,” said Murray.
“It would make my life a lot easier plus it would allow for all my customers from the south to venture up here and take a look at where we live and possibly expand businesses into this region,” said Tola.
If approved, the city of Stuart will put forward $30 million to go along with Martin County's $15 million.
The question now, can the city and the county agree on how to keep the keep the plan rolling?
