Plans to build a second Buc-ee’s travel center in Colorado appeared to be in limbo Wednesday after the town of Palmer Lake announced that property owner Monument Ridge West LLC had withdrawn its annexation application.
The planned development of a gigantic gas station along Interstate 25 in El Paso County has been highly controversial, facing opposition from some residents and community groups who fear increased traffic, strained infrastructure and impacts on the town’s water supply.
Representatives from Texas-based Buc-ee’s and Monument Ridge West LLC did not respond to requests for comment from The Denver Post on Wednesday.
“This outcome did not happen by accident. It happened because citizens organized, spoke out, voted and refused to be ignored,” said Katherine Gayle, chief legal counsel for Integrity Matters, a nonprofit watchdog group based in Colorado Springs that has been heavily involved in the fight over Buc-ee’s.
Palmer Lake Town Clerk and Administrative Supervisor Erica Romero said in an email to The Post that the town does not currently have legal representation and she was unable to comment further on the withdrawn application.
“The town followed the established state annexation process, including public notice and opportunities for community input,” town officials said in a brief public notice posted on the municipal website Wednesday.
This marks the second withdrawal of the Buc-ee’s annexation application. The first occurred in March, when Maria Larsen, manager of Monument Ridge West, said the proposal would be revised. A new application was then submitted shortly after.
Buc-ee’s had proposed to develop nearly 25 acres, including a 74,000-square-foot retail convenience store, 120 fuel pumps, 12 electric vehicle charging stations and 780 parking spaces, according to a fiscal impact analysis report prepared last year by Economic & Planning Systems Inc.
Even as questions remain about whether Buc-ee’s will ultimately build a mega gas station in Palmer Lake or elsewhere in Colorado, such as Lamar, opposition to the proposal has already transformed local politics, contributing to the former mayor’s resignation, lawsuits, a recall election and significant attention from Tri-Lakes residents, community organizations and public officials.
Colorado’s first Buc-ee’s debuted in Johnstown, in northern Colorado, in March 2024.
Wednesday’s news quickly circulated on social media, sparking discussion across several Facebook groups, including “Stop the Palmer Lake Buc-ees,” about what the move could mean. While some celebrated, others remained skeptical. One member wrote, “We shouldn’t be fooled that they’re going away.”
The town’s next Board of Trustees meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 12.
An image of the proposed site. A proposal to build the state’s second Buc-ee’s along I-25 near Palmer Lake, south of Denver in El Paso County, has raised concerns among residents who worry about the impact the convenience store and gas station chain will have in the surrounding area. (Image from Palmer Lake public records)
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