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Commissioners reallocate $1.3M to advance Charlie Layton Park; two commissioners dissent
Summary
The Board approved shifting $600,000 from a Citrus Grove project and $700,000 in active parkland impact fees to the Charlie Layton Park project to accelerate boat‑ramp and shoreline improvements. The motion passed 3–2 after debate over funding certainty.
The Martin County Board of County Commissioners voted 3–2 on Jan. 14 to reallocate $1.3 million in previously budgeted park capital to advance improvements at Charlie Layton Park, a waterfront park with a frequently used boat ramp.
Why it matters: Charlie Layton Park is a heavily used river access point that county staff say needs expanded trailer parking, improved boat‑launch and shoreline facilities. Parks staff argued the reallocation enables near‑term construction and leverages a recently awarded $585,000 grant.
What the board decided: Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Abati asked the board to reallocate $600,000 previously budgeted for multipurpose fields at Citrus Grove Park plus $700,000 in active Parkland impact funds that had been assigned to the Sand Dune Café project. Abati said the reallocation would allow the county to advance design, permitting and construction of the Charlie Layton improvements while staff continues design work on the Sand Dune Café.
Support and dissent: Commissioner Blake Capps and Commissioner Campey supported the reallocation; Campey described the park as a long‑standing project and said the improvements will better serve users who need river access and trailer parking. Commissioner Capps said he welcomed the county’s plan to provide additional river access and noted the Treasure Coast Rowing Club and other users rely on the facility.
Commissioners Vargas and Hurd dissented. Commissioner Vargas said she could not ‘‘justify spending $1,300,000 that were allocated to other projects’’ without firmer guarantees that promised alternative projects — notably additional fields reportedly to be provided by the Newfield development — would actually be delivered. Chairwoman Hurd joined that concern and voted no.
Staff follow up and timeline: Abati told commissioners the Sand Dune Café design and permitting will continue and that building permits and coastal approvals could take about 18 months; Parks and Public Works will present a more detailed CIP funding strategy during the FY‑26 CIP review. The board directed staff to advance Charlie Layton design and permitting immediately and to return with a funding plan during the next CIP cycle.
