WPTV: Martin County residents sound off to All Aboard Florida representative in town hall meeting WPTV

STUART, Fla. — More than 150 Martin County residents packed the Stuart City Hall Tuesday night to voice their concerns about All Aboard Florida in a rare opportunity to directly address All Aboard Florida representatives.

Rusty Roberts attended on behalf of All Aboard Florida trying to answer questions and build support for the proposed high-speed train.

Residents sounded off about their concerns over safety, traffic and property values.

“We are moving forward with the project until we’re told otherwise,” Roberts said to the meeting. “The addition of 32 trains while you think will cause delays in your ability to get around town is simply not true.”

Marine industry experts, economists, and real estate experts fired back with research and data that they say supports boaters will wait longer to pass under bridges, property values will decrease and that the high-speed train will not be profitable.

Roberts also said moving the route west would be too expensive for the company, though residents feel it is the best option.

One supporter was in attendance from Delray Beach. No one from Martin County spoke in favor of the train.