STUART, Fla. — A big decision on the horizon in Stuart is causing tensions to rise in the community as the city decides whether to cancel its lease agreement regarding the construction of a Brightline station.
This is an issue that WPTV has been closely following for the last few years as the location of a station on the Treasure Coast has been debated.
The Stuart City Commission is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. Monday regarding the possible construction of a Brightline station. The meeting is expected to be heavily attended by members of the community.
This comes after Brightline announced in March that they selected Stuart to be the new home of a station after considering five proposals in Martin and St. Lucie counties.
Since the Brightline conversation is both a city and county decision, Martin County commissioners are slated to vote on the existing agreement at their Tuesday meeting.
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WPTV is listening to residents and business owners who are surprised by the news of the city revisiting its lease with Brightline.
"Well, I just thought it was a done deal," Stuart resident Teri Rippin said. "I find that devastating and I was looking forward to it coming through here."
Many downtown business owners would like to see it happen.
"I truly believe that it is definitely going to be astronomical for Stuart, Florida," said Lisa Freitas of Lisa Gay Fashions.
Freitas and other businesses are going as far as posting "Save Brightline" signs in their windows to show their support. There is also a "Support Stuart Brightline" Facebook page with nearly 1,000 members.
The Stuart City Commission will make a final vote Monday to either keep their lease regarding a train station or pull out, in front of what is expected to be a packed house.
"I'm disappointed, and I'm definitely going to attend that meeting," Freitas said.
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The main concern that is circulating is the possible $30 million price tag posed on taxpayers.
Stuart Mayor Campbell Rich is confident the station will be built with the help of grants and not taxpayers. He also strongly believes it'll come at a significantly lower cost of $13 million.
"You have to have progress, you have to take chances and I think Stuart should take those types of chances," Stuart resident Keith Flynn said.
Meanwhile, Fort Pierce may throw its hat back in the ring and vie for a new station.
Pete Tesch, President of St. Lucie County's Economic Development Council, told WPTV over the phone that he and the city of Fort Pierce won't take action unless Stuart officially rescinds their lease.
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