Preconceptions Are Killing Us

Why is there so much misunderstanding regarding the deal between Martin County and Brightline?

Is it that people can’t let go of their preconceived notions and prejudices?

If you are opposed to the idea of having a station, then probably nothing will change your mind. But that doesn’t mean you have the right to pollute your conversation with spurious facts. And the facts are easy to ascertain.

The documents are out there to read. I included them in Friends & Neighbors several times. They are on the county’s website also.

The cost for the station and infrastructure and estimates varies widely depending on what is included. As currently imagined it is about $45 million dollars. According to every agreement and the RFP, Martin County would only be responsible for up to $15 million or roughly a third. They are leasing the land for the parking and station to Brightline for a nominal amount of $12 per year. The lease with options will run for 120 years.

The county’s responsibility of up to $15 million is the same exact dollar figure that was provided in the original settlement agreement in 2018. After 6 years of inflation, you would need $18,780,000 in today’s dollars.

Another argument you hear from opponents is that Brightline was going to pay half the cost in the original settlement agreement. The person saying that is either ignorant or is lying. I have read the original settlement offer and subsequent agreements, and nowhere is it written that Brightline would pay half. If an opponent insists on that as their answer for being in opposition, tell them to show it to you in a document signed by the parties.

Further, with the most recent RFP accepted by Martin County, the county will pursue grants for the necessary funds to complete the project as the lead agency. If by June 30, 2027, Martin County has not entered into a grant agreement for all the necessary funds above $15 million, then Brightline may terminate the lease. If for some reason Brightline wished to kick in funds for the construction, they could but they are not obligated to do so.

If a station is built, Brightline would be obligated to maintain the station. The estimate is $2.3 million per year in 2024 dollars. They would also pay taxes and insurance.

Those are the facts.

If you are against having the station because you believe the trains will go away if there is no station…that won’t happen. No matter what, the trains will come barreling through Martin County.

If you don’t want the station because you think it will bring car traffic…that is an oxymoron.

If you think the train station will be a homeless magnet, it is unlikely. When opened, it will be staffed. Do you really believe that Brightline wants the homeless in front of their business and would tolerate it? A Brightline station is far from a downtown Greyhound depot.

I also heard that criminals would take the train from down south to rob unsuspecting residents. I won’t even dignify that illogic statement with a response.

After reading this, I hope you take away that if you are opposed to a station, let it be for reasons not marred by lies and wild accusations. You may be opposed because of the same thinking that situated I-95 five miles from town and ended up encouraging sprawl and more car use.

You may be opposed because you think it will change the character of Stuart. How soon it is forgotten that the only reason the city exists was because of the railroad.

You may be opposed because you are afraid it will bring outsiders here. With the highway, turnpike, and the vaunted comp plan, we still only grow by 2% or less each year and have for many years.

Martin County deserves better from its citizens than those rationales.0