Residents urge county to scrutinize Buc-ee’s plan, citing water, wildlife and traffic worries

El Paso County’s Board of County Commissioners heard several emotional public comments on May 14 from residents concerned about a proposed Buc-ee’s development near Monument Hill, focusing on water use, wildlife and traffic safety.

Several speakers told commissioners they worry the project could draw on the same limited water supplies already under local restrictions. "Are they gonna be only allowed 50 gallons a day, or are they going to take the water that the people of Monument and Palmer Lake need?" asked Casey Gilbert, who identified herself during public comment. Gilbert said Monument instituted restrictions starting April 7 that will continue through Oct. 30 and asked whether a large commercial user would be subject to the same limits.

Another resident appealed to commissioners to "stand up for us," saying, "I don't see Buc-ee's being a good neighbor to help us," and asked officials to protect existing neighborhoods from zoning changes that could permit large highway-oriented facilities. A third speaker identifying as a realtor said residents had been told property values could drop by as much as 25 within a half-mile of the site, and warned that increased traffic at the Monument Hill interchange could create safety hazards.

Speakers also raised environmental concerns, including the possibility that the land could harbor the Preble's jumping mouse, a species mentioned by a commenter as a reason for conservation review. Several commenters said the development would reduce residents' "peaceful enjoyment" of their properties and that they had shifted time from volunteering and outdoor activities to attending meetings and submitting written comments.

County staff reiterated that the public comment period is not intended for dialogue and encouraged people who want to ensure their remarks are in the official record to return for a noticed public hearing or submit written comments to plnweb@elpasoco.com. The board did not take any formal land-use action on the Buc-ee's proposal during the meeting.

The remarks folded into a broader procedural meeting that concluded after the board approved its land use consent calendar; no substantive decision on the proposed Buc-ee's site was made at this session.

The board is expected to consider land-use matters at future noticed hearings, where the public will have additional opportunities to provide evidence and testimony.