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.

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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.

Kev Freeman, Stuart development director, reported that demographic and transportation data show Stuart could meet criteria outlined by Brightline.

“Stuart is the center of a lot of activities on the Treasure Coast,” Freeman said. “It’s got that connectivity to the airports of Orlando and Miami."

Commissioners at Monday's meeting heard extensive public comment.

Jackie Vitale, Stuart, spoke in support of a station as a way to grow the economy and attract millenials.

"This is not about changing the character of our town,” said Vitale, who owns a downtown business. “This is about allowing other people to experience the character of our town.”

Joan Jefferson was among those who said they oppose Brightline but are ready to talk about a station.

“It’s a done deal,” Jefferson said about unsuccessful efforts to stop or reroute the trains. "I think that we have an opportunity to turn lemons into lemonade ... I strongly suggest you support the station."

But Paul Laura, Jensen Beach, encouraged commissioners to carefully consider economics before pursuing a station.

“How much debt will the city be left to bear when the station fails?” Laura asked. “Follow the money.”

Brightline began service among Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach earlier this year, and is to begin full Miami-to-Orlando service in 2021.

Brightline has said track improvement and construction could begin here within months.

Commissioners will vote on whether to move forward with a station proposal at a future commission meeting, most likely Oct. 8, Mayor Kelli Glass Leighton said Monday.

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