Palmer Lake Planning Commission votes to deny Buc-ee’s annexation agreement

PALMER LAKE, Colo. (KRDO) - Palmer Lake Planning Commission members decided not to recommend moving forward with the flagpole annexation for a new Buc-ee's travel stop.

This evening, during a hearing, locals were divided, and so was the Planning Commission.

Some individuals at the hearing expressed that to them, nothing justifies violating the community's habitat. Whereas others, such as the Palmer Lake chairmen, felt that the master plan made sense, particularly with the installation of a bike lane and consideration for pedestrians regarding the development.

While members of the public were not allowed to speak formally at the hearing, it was packed with local citizens and activists from surrounding communities, who were there to express their opinion that Buc-ee's would not be a good fit for the community. 

During the meeting, concerns about the lighting that would be produced from the store were addressed, with members concluding that the lighting of the location should prioritize safety over advertisement.

Members also consider the store's impact on water access.

When it comes to water usage, some members concluded that the two wells outlined in the proposal would not be adequate or sustainable, with the concern that a new well would need to be built every 18 to 20 years.

KRDO13 is informed that, at the end of the day, the Palmer Lake Planning Commission member's decision not to recommend the Buc-ee's annexation is simply that—a recommendation to the board of trustees.

It is not binding, and the final decision to move forward still rests with the town's board of trustees, who will hold a special meeting on the topic on October 2nd.

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