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Palmer Lake Residents Torn Over Proposed Buc-ee's: Weighing Growth Against Community Character

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Published on December 04, 2024
Palmer Lake Residents Torn Over Proposed Buc-ee's: Weighing Growth Against Community CharacterSource: lee leblanc, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The small town of Palmer Lake, Colorado, is at the heart of a community debate over the potential arrival of Buc-ee's, the Texas-based convenience store behemoth known for its expansive travel centers. While Buc-ee's has set its sights on opening a second Colorado location in the quaint town, residents are voicing their concerns, fearing that the development could disrupt local businesses and alter the town's character, as reported by Denver7.

The company's interest in Palmer Lake was confirmed by Buc-ee's director of real estate and development, Stan Beard, "We have been eying Palmer Lake for some time," he said, as obtained by KKTV. A public meeting saw residents turn out in numbers, with strong opinions both for and against the proposed site. Some see the move as an economic boon, while others worry about increased traffic and environmental impact.

Buc-ee's, which opened its first Colorado outpost in Johnstown back in March, is known for its large format stores. The Johnstown location spans a whopping 74,000 square feet, features 116 fueling positions, and also offers 12 EV charging stations. As detailed by 9News, highlights the scale at which Buc-ee's operates, raising questions about whether a similar development would fit the scale and vibe of Palmer Lake.