(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs City Council voted 5-4 on Tuesday, Aug. 13 to reject the annexation of Amara, a 3,200-acre area south of the city near Fountain.

The decision reversed a prior 5-4 vote three weeks ago that had approved the annexation. Councilman Dave Donelson changed his vote, swaying the outcome.

The developers, La Plata Communities, had planned to build 9,500 homes plus millions of square feet of retail space, schools, parks, and public facilities over the next 25 years.

“I am sad, I think it’s a good project,” Council President Randy Helms explained. “I just think it’s too soon with the other infrastructure projects we have in front of us.”

Councilmembers Nancy Henjum, Lynette Crow-Iverson, Mike O’Malley, and Dave Donelson also opposed the annexation along with Helms.

The council voted late Tuesday evening to change its decision after hearing comments from community members and business owners. They also heard concerns from the leaders of Manitou Springs, Fountain, and farmers in the lower Arkansas Valley.

A site map illustrates the proposed Amara development, which is planned for 3,200 acres in incorporated El Paso County. Courtesy: City of Colorado Springs.

Councilman David Leinweber was among those who supported the annexation because of the large number of companies planning on bringing jobs to the community.

“Our city has said ‘OK’ to these companies and they are expecting to come, they want to come,” Councilmember Leinweber said. “Now it’s time for us to deliver a product that they want and that meets their needs.”

The council received support for the project from community members, including former City Councilmen Tom Strand and Bill Murray. Advocates favored the expansion for its potential to provide housing for the military community.

It’s unclear what the developers will do with the land following Tuesday’s vote denying annexation.

FOX21 News will continue to update this article with more reactions throughout the evening.