By Jackie Burhans
At its Sept. 2 special meeting, the Palmer Lake Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of Buc-ee’s Planned Development Plan (PD), sketch plan, and annexation agreement.
Commissioner Andre Bergeron recused himself, citing an intimidating package delivered to his home that alarmed his family and compromised his impartiality.
Town Attorney Scott Krob said the meeting continued the Aug. 20 session and would focus on the applicant’s responses to prior questions. Public comment remained closed, but Chair Charlie Ihlenfeld allowed a brief recess to distribute printed Q&A documents.
After a failed motion to approve the PD with conditions, Commissioner Bill Fisher moved to recommend denial, citing noncompliance with the Community Master Plan, excessive size, loss of small-town character, number of impermeable surfaces, water concerns, night sky impact, and lack of bike and pedestrian infrastructure. The motion passed 3-2.
The commission voted 3-2 to recommend denial of the sketch plan on similar grounds.
Commissioner Matt Stephen led the annexation agreement discussion, citing vague language about building size and unclear responsibility for County Line Road improvements. Beeson raised concerns about long-term water needs. The motion to deny passed 4-1.
Note: The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees is scheduled to make the final decision about the Buc-ee’s project at a special meeting Oct. 2, which is after this issue of OCN has gone to press. For the latest Tri-Lakes area news, please check our website ((www.ocn.me) or subscribe to our email newsletter at https://wp.ocn.me/newslettersignup or download our mobile and desktop app at https://wp.ocn.me/app.
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The Palmer Lake Planning Commission Meets third Wed. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Info: 719-481-2953.
Jackie Burhans can be contacted at jackieburhans@ocn.me
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