{"id":523,"date":"2025-06-03T12:00:43","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T12:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.agencywebdesigners.com\/?p=523"},"modified":"2025-06-05T14:27:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T14:27:26","slug":"palmer-lake-officials-decide-again-that-buc-ees-land-is-eligible-for-annexation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.agencywebdesigners.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/03\/palmer-lake-officials-decide-again-that-buc-ees-land-is-eligible-for-annexation\/","title":{"rendered":"Palmer Lake officials decide, again, that Buc-ee\u2019s land is eligible for annexation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The fight continues over a proposed Buc-ee\u2019s along Interstate 25 near Palmer Lake, as town officials last week voted 6-1<\/a> to approve the site\u2019s eligibility for annexation during a special meeting.<\/p>\n

The decision by the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees moves forward the controversial development<\/a> that has faced opposition from some residents<\/a> and local community groups, who worry about increased traffic, strained infrastructure, impacts on the town\u2019s water supply and other problems.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am here tonight to make it clear to the trustees, the conservation of this open space is very important for the Malone Family Land Preservation Foundation,\u201d said Caitlin Quander, an attorney representing the Malone Family Land Preservation, which is against the annexation.<\/p>\n

\"An
An image of the proposed site. A proposal to build the state\u2019s second Buc-ee\u2019s along I-25 near Palmer Lake, south of Denver in El Paso County, has raised concerns among residents who worry about the impact the convenience store and gas station chain will have in the surrounding area. (Image from Palmer Lake public records)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Quander said the foundation has concerns about the impact of open space, the conservation easement, wildlife, traffic, public safety, water and preservation of dark skies.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo date, public and private funds to preserve the Valley have exceeded $90 million and the foundation is prepared to do what is necessary to protect it on the behalf of future generations,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The town hall was packed, with a few attendees holding signs opposing Buc-ee\u2019s. Outside, residents against the annexation gathered to watch the meeting via a live feed, though the audio would cut in and out at times.<\/p>\n

Throughout the three-hour meeting, cheers and applause could be heard whenever community members took the podium. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe proposed annexation does not feel like growth. It just feels wrong,\u201d said resident Chase Olivier at the meeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we\u2019ve seen is not representation, it\u2019s rejection of public input, rejection of the trust we place in you guys, and voting against the people is not just bad leadership it\u2019s a betrayal of our democracy. You are elected to serve us, not to serve your own special interests.\u201d<\/p>\n

The meeting comes after an initial application by Buc-ee\u2019s last year, a withdrawal in March<\/a> and a revised proposal submitted last month.<\/a><\/p>\n

Thursday\u2019s decision to move forward doesn\u2019t approve the development or annex the property to the town at this time, but it does reopen the opportunity for the land to be annexed for a Buc-ee\u2019s.<\/p>\n

The vacant site proposed for the Buc-ee\u2019s is owned by Monument Ridge West LLC and part of the land was acquired in 2022 for $2,777,800, according to El Paso County property records.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a pretty complex consideration on this eligibility for annexation,\u201d said Palmer Lake trustee Atis Jurka, who voted no on Thursday night.<\/p>\n

Mayor Glant Havenar and trustees Dennis Stern, Shana Ball, Tim Caves, Kevin Dreher and Amy Hutson all voted yes.<\/p>\n

The matter will now go before the Planning Commission on June 18, where members will review the proposed zoning and consider an annexation agreement.<\/p>\n

If a mutually acceptable agreement is reached, a formal annexation hearing could be scheduled any time after that.<\/p>\n