A colossal Buc-ee's broke a small Colorado town

[Zorro]

In the fight to preserve Palmer Lake something has already been lost: civility.

The organizers of the pumpkin patch outside the town hall canceled this year’s event so that “evil doesn’t win.” A local lawyer stopped watching Sunday football at the sports bar because he got tired of people yelling at him. A gregarious chef turns his head when he drives past neighbors who have shunned him.

Over the past year, the social fabric of this town of 2,500 has been torn apart by a gas station — an enormous gas station.

Buc-ee’s, the Texas chain known for its jaunty beaver mascot and sparkling bathrooms, wants to erect a 74,000-square-foot travel plaza — far larger than a football field — along the nearby interstate. The proposal is expected to go to a public vote this winter. But already, it has led to cursing at packed town meetings, mudslinging on social media and texts, accusations of vandalism, litigation, the downfall of a mayor, the ouster of two town trustees and the resignation of a third.

Combatants on both sides see themselves as saviors of a town they cherish for its quiet streets, forested foothills and dark skies. Those in favor of the project insist the financial security of new tax revenue will preserve Palmer Lake. Those opposed say there is nothing preservationist about a colossal commercial venture that would threaten wildlife and groundwater. But many residents fear the bitter fight has already inflicted lasting scars — whether or not the Buc-ee’s is ever built.

https://wapo.st/4qrNlq5

I like Buc-ee's. The ones I've been to have lots of EV charging stations, are well-lit with exceptionally clean bathrooms, have plenty of food and drink choices, and the salaries they advertise on the way into the stores are surprisingly good.