(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Wednesday, Feb. 26, organizers submitted more than 31,000 signatures from citizens who oppose the Karman Line Annexation, although the event was not without some excitement.

On Wednesday at around 2:30 p.m., the signatures were delivered to the City Clerk’s office. The petition is in response to the Colorado Springs City Council’s approval of annexing more than 1,900 acres of housing and mixed-use development located three and a half miles east of Colorado Springs city limits west of Schriever Space Force Base.

Those opposing the measure said the new development would create issues with water use and growth.

“The people in my district are saying we want a development like they have up north. We don’t get to have those kind of developments here in Southeast Colorado Springs,” said Councilmember Yolanda Avila during the Jan. 28 City Council meeting.

According to organizers, in less than three weeks, 31,344 signatures were collected, which far exceeds the 18,646 signatures required.

“This was a remarkably easy signature to get,” said Dawn Shelstad, a community organizer. “Virtually every single person we talked to opposes the Karman Line annexation.”

During the submission of signatures, a fire alarm went off in the City Administration Building. Organizers told FOX21 News they were concerned about the legitimacy of the process but the City said the documents were behind a locked door and under surveillance while everyone was outside.

The City has 30 days to verify the signatures.