Residents raise safety, process and wildlife concerns about Beacon Light Road and proposed Buc-ee’s site

During the public-comment period, several residents urged commissioners to scrutinize proposed development near Beacon Light Road and a proposed Buc-ee’s travel center by the I‑25 interchange. One resident argued the road was designed for local safety, not commercial traffic, and described geological concerns where two formations meet; the speaker asked why federal oversight by CDOT or the Army Corps of Engineers was not pursued. ‘‘If building this road was paramount for our safety, why wasn't CDOT on the hook?’’ the resident asked, urging the board to consider long-term stability and taxpayer exposure.

Other commenters included Gretchen Van Cleve O'Donnell, who thanked commissioners for voting against an apartment rezoning and alleged county funds were used to raise a property elevation at Beacon Light and County Line Road; Debbie Hall, a northern-county small-business owner, opposed a Buc-ee’s at a site adjacent to Greenland Open Space and a critical wildlife crossing and warned it would worsen congestion and winter driving risks on I‑25; and Laurel Scout (reading a letter) criticized inconsistent hearing rules that she said limited citizen presentation time while allowing applicants extensive testimony. Commissioners noted the comments and reminded speakers that land-use items are subject to public hearings where staff recommendations and application materials are formally considered.