TCPalm: Brightline station locations discussed at packed meeting Monday

By: Lisa Broadt, Treasure Coast Newspapers

STUART — In a packed Commission Chamber Monday night, public opinion was firmly divided over a local Brightline station.

Some of the approximately 200 people who crowded the room and spilled into the hallway were there to protest the train.

But just as many — including some one-time opponents — expressed support for a station in Stuart.

Brightline on Aug. 27 offered to consider a Treasure Coast station or stations, provided a list of criteria it would look for in a potential location and encouraged Stuart, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and Sebastian to apply.

City Commissioners called for Monday's workshop last week, citing the importance of considering public comment before deciding for or against submitting a station application to Brightline.

The workshop meeting began with presentations from Brightline, the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and the city.

Rusty Roberts, vice president of government affairs, acknowledged the long rocky relationship between Brightline and the Treasure Coast, but said Brightline is interested in having a more constructive conversation. A station could be an important part of that dialogue, he said

“I’d like to assure the public our interest is genuine,” Roberts said. “The time to start the planning process is now.”

Community support will be a key component in choosing a location, Roberts added…