Buc-ee’s is eyeing a new location in Southern Colorado

PALMER LAKE, Colo. (KRDO) - A new Buc-ee's could soon be headed to the Palmer Lake area.

According to Mayor Glant Havenar, a developer is eyeing an area off County Line Road and I-25. Buc-ee's says the land is between I-25 and Beacon Lite Road, alongside County Line Road.

Buc-ee's is known around the nation as a prime stop for gas, food, and souvenirs. Properties are typically expansive, with the Luling, Texas location holding the record as the largest convenience store in the world.

The Board of Trustees has scheduled a hearing on Dec. 12 about the property's annexation, which will determine if the owner can move forward. The meeting will also be a chance for people concerned about the addition to air their opinions.

"At this stage, we cannot comment on the project, whether we believe it meets eligibility, or share any thoughts or opinions on its viability and merits," said Mayor Havenar.

However, local businesses are worried about the impact the new location could have on their own revenue.

"I think it might prevent people from coming into town at all," Spencer Boyles, the owner of the Speedtrap said.  "That would hurt all of the small businesses in this town, and really, the whole economy of this town is based on the small businesses."

Boyles also drew concern as a resident of the small town. He said he moved to Palmer Lake for the small-town feel and is concerned about the noise, light pollution, crime and big-box feel it could bring.

"A lot of the citizens, and myself included, would say that just the expansion of this town is something they don't like," Boyles said.

Stan Beard, the Buc-ee's Director of Real Estate Development, is no stranger to the small-town attitude.

"We get it that there are some folks who don't want us there everywhere we go. But the overwhelming majority of people do," Stan Beard said.

Buc-ee's development plan includes the annexation of the strip of land alongside I-25, which is technically unincorporated El Paso County. The annexation would allow for Buc-ee's to extend the town's water system, and they say it would add tax revenue and high-paying job opportunities to the area.