Stuart City Council Members Derail Brightline Lease And Station

Stuart, FL - The Stuart city commissioners rescinded a ground lease and train station agreement with Brightline on Monday following concerns expressed by local residents and businesses.

On Monday, the City of Stuart Commissioners voted to rescind the ground lease and train station agreement for a proposed station in the center of the city's historic downtown.

The decision comes despite the city's previous collaboration with Martin County and Brightline to fund the $60 million project.

The proposed station, located approximately 40 miles north of West Palm Beach, was expected to boost local tourism and economic development.

Brightline has experienced rapid growth in recent years, launching its Miami-to-Orlando route in September 2023 and expanding its network to include stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.

The high-speed rail service has been praised for its convenience and speed, with trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 130 miles per hour.

However, the Stuart station project faced opposition from residents and businesses who expressed concerns about potential traffic congestion, noise pollution, and the impact on property values.

The setback in Stuart marks a temporary pause for Brightline's expansion plans as the company may explore alternative locations in Martin County.