Residents express concerns over Buc-ee’s proposed site in Palmer Lake, sparking legal action and community protests
Palmer Lake: The excitement around Colorado’s first Buc-ee’s in Johnstown was palpable, but the second location proposal near Palmer Lake is stirring up trouble. This new site, planned along I-25, has led to a lawsuit and a lot of local pushback.
Residents are worried about traffic jams and how the store might strain local services. They feel the town hasn’t been open about the whole process, which has only added to their frustration.
Despite the uproar, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees voted to allow Buc-ee’s to move forward with its annexation request. They believe this step is necessary to gather more information for a well-informed decision.
At a recent meeting, the atmosphere was tense. Police were checking IDs, only letting in Palmer Lake residents. Many folks were left outside, including some elderly residents who were unhappy about being turned away.
One local business owner, Trina Shook, shared her experience of waiting outside in the cold for over an hour before finally getting in. She noticed empty seats inside, which made the whole situation feel even more frustrating.
Some residents think the board is rushing things, leading to a complaint filed with the Colorado Attorney General. The AG’s office suggested that this is a local issue and recommended reaching out to local officials.
Concerns about the annexation include potential environmental impacts, traffic issues, and the loss of the town’s small-town charm. Many residents love Buc-ee’s but feel this isn’t the right spot for it.
In response to the backlash, the town released a statement saying they aimed for a fair and open hearing. However, Integrity Matters, the nonprofit behind the lawsuit, argues that the town’s actions lacked transparency and ignored important legal safeguards.
The lawsuit aims to hold the town accountable and ensure that local residents’ rights are protected. The next board meeting is set for January 23, and it’ll be interesting to see how this all unfolds.
Representatives from Buc-ee’s haven’t commented yet, but the community is clearly engaged and ready to voice their opinions.
