- Mattamy Homes is transferring 125 acres to Martin County
- The land would hold muck dredged from the St. Lucie River
- The parcel comes from the northern section of the Newfield development
Developer Mattamy Homes is transferring 125 acres in Martin County to support restoration of the St. Lucie River. The land comes from the northern section of the Newfield development and is intended to hold muck dredged from the river.
Where the Land Comes From and Where It Goes
According to the developer, the parcel was donated from the northern section of Newfield to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, a federal program to restore, protect and preserve South Florida’s water resources. The land is being transferred to Martin County.
James Fitzgerald, vice president of community development for the Mattamy Homes Southeast Florida Division, said the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) is donating an adjacent 125 acres. He said the two parcels together total 250 acres and could hold 2.4 million cubic yards of muck taken from the river.
Why the Muck Matters to the River
Fitzgerald said the site is meant to take in the large volumes of muck that would need to be dredged from the St. Lucie River to improve water quality. For Martin County residents in Palm City and Stuart, the river is central to boating, fishing and waterfront life, which is why its condition draws close attention across the county.
Fitzgerald said that once the muck is dredged and placed on the land, it will dry out. He said the company hopes the property can later serve as a recreational site or, depending on county needs, support other environmental restoration projects.
What Happens Next
Fitzgerald said the muck removal project will begin once federal funding is authorized. Further details on the timeline and the transfer to the county were not part of the developer’s announcement.
