PALMER LAKE, Colo. (KOAA) — PALMER LAKE, Colo. — Palmer Lake's planning commission voted 3-2 Wednesday to deny a recommendation for Buc-ee's annexation proposal, dealing another blow to the controversial travel center project.
The commission argued the plan is shortsighted and does not cover who bears financial responsibility for the space and infrastructure Buc-ee's requires. Opponents to the project say this sends a message to the town's government.
"This is a clear sign to the folks under recall that the townspeople feel like they haven't been heard," Palmer Lake resident Beth Harris said.
Even with a denied recommendation, the town's Board of Trustees still has the final say. Harris who is campaigning for a trustee seat in the event the September 9 recall passes, says it's possible the board could still vote yes.
"That would be ill-advised, because the planning commission spent many, many hours discussing this issue," Harris said.
The meeting, which adjourned before 8 p.m. Wednesday, did not allow for public comment. The town's attorney argued this meeting is a continuation of the August 20 meeting where public comment closed.
Harris argued the lack of public comment violated people's free speech rights, while Buc-ee's team member Mark Waller disagreed.
"They clearly said in the last meeting, public comment was closed," Waller said.
As for next steps, Waller says Wednesday's decision was "expected," and hopes the town's board will make the right decision for its citizens.
"Ultimately, it's up to the elected leaders in a town to make the determination a project is going to move forward," Waller said.
The planning commission had tabled the August 20 meeting, saying they needed more time to review the annexation proposal.
On September 9, the town will vote to recall two trustees. Harris and two other Palmer Lake citizens have entered their names as potential replacements.
Also in that election, citizens will decide if future annexations into Palmer Lake go to a people's vote. Similar to what happened in June with the Karman Line annexation going to a referendum, a "yes" vote next Tuesday could pave the way for something similar to be set up.
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