(PALMER LAKE, Colo.) — The battle over the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center in Palmer Lake continued during a Planning Commission Special Meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 3, resulting in the Planning Commission shooting down Buc-ee’s proposed annexation plan.

The planned annexation for the center calls for almost 25 acres of land to make room for the 74,000 square-foot interior, 120 gas pumps, 12 electric vehicle charging stations, and over 750 parking spaces.

The fiscal impact analysis made by Economic & Planning Systems Inc. estimates the Texas-based gas station could generate roughly $950,000 in sales tax revenue for Palmer Lake as early as 2027.

The members who denied the plan cited concerns like the sheer scale, water use, concerns regarding town wells, impact on Palmer Lake’s small-town feel, and Palmer Lake’s town master plan.

Meanwhile, Commission Chair Charlie Ihlenfeld stated, “I don’t think we’re going against our master plan at all… And I think for our small-town feel and everything, we’re not bringing Buc-ee’s into town. It’s over two miles away, which is going to allow us to keep our natural county line corridor.”

He also disagreed with the concerns about light pollution from the location, saying he can see the glow from Colorado Springs. Ihlenfeld also said that the I-25 corridor was “always” intended for commercial development.

According to Ihlenfeld, the representation from Buc-ee’s agreed to additional conditions like confining the sign to under 75 feet tall, and to make considerations for biking and hiking trails.

While the Planning Commission voted against the annexation in a three-to-two vote, the final decision for acceptance comes down to the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, whose next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9.