By: Ike Crumpler, Stuart Magazine
A little optimism, a little skepticism, but overall, a willingness to listen. That was Steve Mullin’s mind frame when he first learned of a proposal for a large-scale community near his home in rural Stuart West.
“Martin County has for a long time been very controlled, very slow growth,” says the 45-year-old husband and father of two who owns a web development and marketing business. “So, talking about a project of this magnitude, you have to be a little skeptical about it, but you’re always hopeful at the same time.”
Then landowner Knight Kiplinger put on a presentation to about 75 of his neighbors from Stuart West and Cobblestone. As president of Stuart West’s Property Owners Association, he cautions that he’s a “conduit, not a spokesperson” for his community. But as the presentation progressed, he realized something.