Last week, Buc-ee’s reportedly negotiated an agreement with the town of Palmer Lake to annex land for the retailer to build a new massive travel center. In response, several Palmer Lake residents packed a community meeting over-the-weekend to voice their concerns opposing a possible Buc-ee’s, KOAA News reports.
The terms of the agreement include Buc-ee’s paying for upgrades to the town’s water infrastructure, road improvements and tax benefits and incentives. In exchange, the company would receive a 1% sales tax rebate for 20 years, Colorado Public Radio reports.
With a population of just over 2,500, Palmer Lake residents have been protesting Buc-ee’s for months, citing improper procedures and environmental threats. Earlier this year, a lawsuit was filed alleging a lack of transparency from city officials and three Palmer Lake trustees faced recall petitions.
At the Sunday meeting, a group of Palmer Lake citizens running for the town’s Board of Trustees shared their plans to fight future annexation proposals, according to KOAA. The Town of Palmer Lake will hold a special election on September 9 to consider recalls for two board members and an initiative requiring voter approval for future annexations, per CPR.
This means that even if the board approves Buc-ee’s annexation, residents could still be able to vote on if they want it or not. Palmer Lake’s Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the Buc-ee’s agreement at an August 28 meeting.
Buc-ee’s declined to comment for this story.