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Stuart votes 3-2 to rescind lease with Brightline, revokes agreement with Martin County

WPTV has been following the development of the interlocal agreement between the city of Stuart, Martin County and Brightline since the beginning of the year

WPTV has been following the development of the interlocal agreement between the city of Stuart, Martin County and Brightline since the beginning of the year.

By: Zitlali Solache , Samantha Roesler

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STUART, Fla. — More than 50 people took to the podium to voice their thoughts about a Brightline station coming to Stuart. Most of the crowd on Monday spoke in favor of the new station.

Ultimately, the board voted 3-2 to rescind the ground lease agreement with Brightline and voted 3-2 to rescind their interlocal agreement with Martin County for the train station. Commissioner Christopher Collins, Laura Giobbi and Sean Reed voted to back out of the agreement, while Mayor Campbell Rich and Commissioner Eula Clarke voted in dissent.

"To turn our back on them, when we have this opportunity, it breaks my heart," stated Mayor Rich following the board's decision.

It was less than a month ago on Aug. 12 when the city approved an agreement with Brightline to lease a spot downtown near the county courthouse at 500 Southeast Flagler Ave., funding up to $30 million of the project.

Then, the city voted on Aug. 26 to revisit the contract and asked city staff to prepare resolutions rescinding the agreement.

See below the proposed resolution discussed at Stuart's City Council meeting Monday night:

The news of the City Council wanting more time to decide on the station came as a surprise to many, sparking those who are in favor of the station to speak out on why they think a Brightline spot would benefit the local economy. On the flip side, some taxpayers are concerned about what could be the station's true building cost.

"If we had Brightline, it would be so much better and easier and we would stay off the road," Erin Fogatry said.

Many argued the station will help bring in business for the city. They worry if they rescind the deal could go to Fort Pierce.

"Do you really want the next generation to say what were you doing when you rejected the Stuart station?" stated Richard Olsen.

It’s standing room only at the Stuart City Commission meeting. The future of Brightline will be discussed starting at 4pm @WPTV @FOX29WFLX pic.twitter.com/WkgyHNO0GB
— Zitlali Solache (@zitlalisolache) September 9, 2024

Others who opposed the station were concerned about costs.

"I would like to be able to take the train to Orlando airport or Miami, just not sure I'm willing to pay those steep ticket prices and parking fees," Deana Peterson said. "However, I am against the size, the scope and the cost of this deal for the taxpayers."

The city attorney and commissioners said they could be sued by Brightline if they backed out of the agreement.

Under the interlocal agreement, Martin County would have been responsible for funding up to $15 million, but the county has delayed its vote on this agreement after Stuart started expressing uncertainty over the project.

Martin County may discuss the interlocal agreement at its meeting Tuesday, but it's questionable how the conversation will proceed now that Stuart voted to revoke their agreement.

Brightline released the following statement regarding the vote:

"We're confident that the commission'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, Brightline senior vice president of corporate affairs.

Read more of WPTV's coverage of Brightline below: