PALMER LAKE, Colo. (KOAA) — A Buc-ee's representative confirmed with News5 that the popular convenience store chain is withdrawing its application from Palmer Lake.
The withdrawal comes after over a year of debates and meetings with the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees and surrounding community members.
WATCH: Residents of Palmer Lake are split on the potential construction of a Buc-ee's in the area
The proposed location of the Buc-ee's sparked major debates with community members claiming that the store would create a strain on resources in the area, even going so far as to recall Palmer Lake Board of Trustees members for their support of the construction.
The town sent the following statement in an emailed news release:
Monument Ridge West LLC has withdrawn its annexation application from the Town of Palmer Lake. The Town followed the established state annexation process, including public notice and opportunities for community input. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by attending public meetings.
WATCH: The fight to stop a Buc-ee's travel center from being built in Palmer Lake is taking another step forward
The Buc-ee's representative says that the company still intends to build a store in the region, but no further details were given.
Despite Buc-ee's withdrawing its application from Palmer Lake on Wednesday, some residents say they'll continue fighting against any future proposals for the travel center in the Tri Lakes area.
"They should have withdrawn it a while ago," said Karen Stuth, a Palmer Lake resident.
Stuth and fellow resident John Marble say the community isn't out of danger yet, believing Buc-ee's may pursue water rights through other means.
"We are still in danger. We are definitely still in danger. Now we understand they'll be going through the county, or trying to go through the county," said Stuth.
The residents claim Buc-ee's will attempt to secure water rights through El Paso County or neighboring communities like Monument or Woodmoor.
The proposed site off Interstate 25 and County Line Road remains empty, though the company that originally filed the annexation paperwork to build the Buc-ee's, Monument Ridge West LLC, still owns the property. The company has not responded to requests for comment about whether it plans to build at the location using alternative water sources.
"I live on County Line, it's directly in my front porch's view. So it's a serious issue for us," said Marble.
Both Marble and Stuth, who have been vocal opponents of the travel center, say the Tri Lakes community needs to remain vigilant against future development proposals.
"Something's gonna come in eventually, you can't stop progress, but we want it to be something that fits within Palmer Lake," said one resident.
Looking ahead, Stuth emphasized the importance of community unity despite the controversy.
"We are Palmer Lake and we need to come together," said Stuth.
Palmer Lake Mayor Dennis Stern declined to comment, stating the town cannot provide statements without legal counsel.
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