Early results show Colorado Springs residents overwhelmingly rejecting Karman Line Annexation
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The second batch of election results is in for the Colorado Springs special election deciding the fate of the controversial Karman Line Annexation – and the numbers show voters are overwhelmingly voting against the ordinance.
The Karman Line Annexation encompasses an area of over 1,800 acres and would create 6,500 varied housing units between the Banning Lewis Ranch Development and Schriever Space Force Base.
The single-issue ballot asked residents: "Shall the voters approve Ordinance 25-16, concerning annexing that area known as Karman Line Addition No. 6 consisting of 1,876.24 acres located near northwest of the Bradley Road and Curtis Road intersection into the City of Colorado Springs."
Colorado Springs residents had until 7 p.m. on June 17 to hand in their ballots.
As of the latest count at 9 p.m., the city reports that 78,052 ballots have been counted, with 63,813 voters – over 81% – opposing the ordinance. Just 14,239 have voted in favor.
“City leadership sleepwalked into an extremely unpopular decision. Tonight’s result will serve as a wake-up call," Ann Rush, a lead organizer of the Karman Line Opposition group, said. "Colorado Springs voters expect growth to be smart, responsible, and in the best long-term interest of the city."
Supporters of the annexation, however, argued the outcome will hurt taxpayers.
“Taxpayers really do lose in this case. The growth will happen. It just won't be master planned communities that were well thought out and can go long,” Kevin O’Neil, managing partner of the Karman Line project, said.
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, who previously expressed support for the annexation, issued the following statement Tuesday night:
“I want to thank everyone who engaged and voted in this election. As your mayor, I remain committed to building a Colorado Springs that works for everyone. That means continuing to prioritize housing affordability, supporting our infrastructure, and ensuring that we grow responsibly and sustainably.
This result does not mark the end of the conversation about growth, housing, and long-term planning. It simply means we must find pragmatic pathways forward, with solutions that reflect the values and concerns of our community while addressing the real challenges ahead.”
To learn more about the Karman Line Annexation and the controversy it has sparked since its inception, click here.
This article will be updated as more ballots are counted. Stay with KRDO13 for continuing coverage of Tuesday's election.
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