(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Springs City Council decided to approve the Karman Line Annexation at a meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Following the decision, about 1,900 acres in El Paso County will become a part of Colorado Springs.

The land is currently vacant and agricultural, located east of Schriever Space Force Base. Developers hope to build about 6,500 homes there.

Several concerned community members spoke out on Tuesday, hoping to change City Council’s mind before the vote

“Citizens of El Paso County are clearly not represented here. After the last vote on this proposed annex, it is clear our opinions mean very little to the City Council members,” said one community member to city council.

People expressed concerns about water, emergency services, animals, uncontrolled growth, and so much more.

While debate over the annexation lasted most of the day, council members stuck with their original votes on the topic back in December. It was a 7-2 vote with council members Dave Donelson and Nancy Henjum voting no.

“It’s illogical. It creates enclaves that doesn’t serve the city at all. I heard the case about Schriever needing housing just has not been made for me. We heard from a number of people that there is sufficient housing now. Population change is uncertain at best,” said Councilmember Henjum, speaking in out against the annexation.

The developer said the project will take around 20 years to complete.

“I really like the idea of bringing vitality to an area, that is really going to elevate this part of our region. There isn’t this kind of development in our southeast. I would like that consumer, that that family, that couple, to have those options,” said Councilmember David Leinweber, speaking in support of it.