EL PASO COUNTY, Colorado (KKTV) – The mayor of Palmer Lake shares her thoughts on the possibility of a Buc-ee coming to El Paso County.

“I have to follow the process,” Mayor Glant Havenar told 11 News by phone Monday.

a project statement was presented to the City of Palmer Lake at the October 24 Board of Directors meeting. The declaration includes a proposed annexation of property in the form of a “flagpole.” The site Buc-ee’s is considering is near County Line Road and I-25.

A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for Dec. 12 tied to the annexation process. 11 News has reached out to several Buc-ee representatives for comment on the proposal. Buc-ee’s first Colorado location was in Johnstown and opened in March..

The mayor posted the following on Facebook about the process.

“I have noticed quite a few posts about possible annexation of land outside the boundaries of Palmer Lake. Many of you have questions and concerns; as do I and the rest of the Board of Trustees. At this early juncture, I want to provide some answers about how this process works and what to expect so you can be as informed and involved as possible.

The developer in question, for a possible Buc-ee at County Line Road and I-25, came forward asking about annexation. They were granted by law a hearing to determine eligibility. Under state statute, an annexation hearing is granted to anyone who requests one. (CRS § 31-12-107).

The BoT granted the eligibility hearing on December 12, which is within the 45-60 day period required by state statute. This hearing is NOT to annex the land, it is simply to determine if the owner is eligible to move forward with the process. Residents are encouraged to attend that meeting to learn more, ask questions and provide feedback.

If the property owner is found eligible for annexation at the Dec. 12 eligibility hearing, they will likely hold a series of community meetings where residents are encouraged to ask questions and learn more about the development. This process could be followed by an eventual annexation hearing, which is also open to public input. As reiterated, we do not yet know if the annexation request will be granted to proceed, but we must hold a hearing to determine eligibility.

At this stage, we are unable to comment on the project, whether we believe it meets the requirements, or share any thoughts or opinions on its feasibility and merits. Commenting or issuing opinions would break our oath of quasi-judicial standing and neutrality, and we would be prohibited from voting on the development in any form.

I want to learn as much as I can about the development and be able to vote on it, so I’ll just share this: I’ll gather the facts and information and listen to local residents to determine the best course of action when they call me. to vote. Until that day I do not have enough information and that is why I am prohibited from breaking my oath.

I encourage you to attend the hearing on December 12 and make your voices heard. Please feel free to call me if you have questions about the process at (303)246-4552. We want to hear from each and every one of you and value your vision for Palmer Lake. It is through collaboration and working with our neighbors that we continue to enjoy the best community on the Front Range.

**For relevant laws regarding eligibility for annexation, see CRS § 31-12-104, CRS § 31-12-105″

For more information on understanding the annexation process, you can view the slides shared by the mayor below:

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