Latest news with #KarmanLineAnnexation
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Several resolutions passed against Karman Line Annexation
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The debate about whether the Karman Line Annexation in Colorado Springs should go through has made its way to southeastern Colorado. Seven government agencies in the area have passed resolutions expressing their opposition to the annexation, which aims to add more than 1,900 acres into Colorado Springs city limits in an attempt to accommodate a growing city. Otero County Commissioners Ron Oquist and Tim Knabenshue's biggest concern is water. 'It what allows us to have agriculture, to have farming, to have ranching,' Knabenshue said. Both are worried more housing in the Springs will mean less water to grow crops like watermelon in the Arkansas Valley. 'Some think they [watermelons] come from Safeway or King Soopers. They come from down in southeastern Colorado, down in the Arkansas Valley,' Oquist said. But the group 'Yes on Issue One,' which supports the Karman Line Annexation, said there is not a lack of water, but water mismanagement, and they argue there will be plenty of water to accommodate the project. While no one from the group responded to FOX21 News's request for comment as of Monday, videos posted on the group's YouTube page show project leaders explaining why they think the annexation is a good thing. 'We can build into a community that supports the needs of the military, whether that's rental detached homes or specialized childcare and health care, to meet the military needs and civilian needs of our community,' said Kevin O'Neil, the Karman Line Managing Partner. But Oquist and Knabenshue want to make sure they have a seat at the table, so the area they represent does not get forgotten. 'We're not against Colorado Springs and we're not against growth; we just want to make sure that we do it responsibly,' Oquist said. In the end, the loudest voice will be the voters of Olympic City U.S.A. The special election for the Karman Line Annexation is set for June 17. Ballots were mailed out by the city on May 23. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Karman Line Annexation protesters walk more than three miles across Colorado Springs
(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo) — The Citizens to Stop Illogical Growth, a group opposing the Karman Line Annexation proposition, which would bring about 1,900 acres of El Paso land into Colorado Springs, is making its voice heard. They walked more than three miles through the heart of the city on Saturday, May 3, roughly the same distance as the area that could soon be added to Colorado Springs. 'We are out to tell the community and show the community that this annexation of the Karman line is illogical and not good,' said Ann Rush, an organizer with Citizens to Stop Illogical Growth. The group's journey began at Acacia Park before walking down Platte Avenue with a straight shot to the Citadel Mall. Nick Raven came up with the idea to walk more than three miles, saying it's more than just traveling by foot across town. 'What this symbolizes is people coming together for a common cause,' Raven said. 'This is a grassroots, organized event. I didn't have anyone poking in my shoulder handing me a check to do this.' The group joined the Vote No on Karman Line March, and together they wanted to express their distaste against the annexation east of the city with this walk. They believe the negative impacts the project will have massive consequences on the city's water supply and also increase traffic. The groups want officials to invest in the city's current infrastructure, like streets, homes, and buildings along Platte Avenue. 'They could actually improve on it and really improve the quality of life for the residents who live around that area,' Rush said. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade has backed the annexation. I offer my full support to our city council in reaffirming its previous decision to approve the Karman Line Annexation. Mayor Yemi Mobolade More recently, the Colorado Secretary of State's Office dismissed a complaint filed by the developers against the petitioners. Ultimately, it will be up to Colorado Springs voters to decide with a special election set for June 17th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mayor Mobolade backs putting Karman Line to voters
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Monday, April 7, Mayor Yemi Mobolade released a statement in support of bringing the Karman Line Annexation decision to the voters rather than repealing the decision, saying it supports our democratic process. On Jan. 28, the City Council approved The Karman Line Annexation, which would make about 1,900 acres in El Paso County, west of Schriever Space Force Base, a part of Colorado Springs. On Feb. 26, a petition opposing the annexation was submitted to the City Clerk's Office with over 31,000 signatures, far beyond the required 18,696, requesting for the annexation to be put on a ballot for Colorado Springs citizens to decide. The petition cited concerns over issues such as water, housing needs, increased utility costs, and wildlife concerns, among others. Since then, allegations have been brought against the petition organizers, claiming that false information was used to convince voters to oppose the annexation and sign the petition. RELATED STORY: Karman Line letter claims petitioners lied to convince voters Mayor Mobolade's statement referenced the allegations, saying that special interest groups misled the community and weaponized the petition process, but that he supports bringing the annexation to the voters so that they have the chance to make a fully informed decision. On Tuesday, April 8, the City Council is scheduled to vote on whether to repeal the annexation or send it to a ballot. Read Mayor Mobolade's full statement below: Our country is founded on a democratic process that is central to the functioning of a representative government. It is upon us to always respect that process, and to recognize and call out any efforts to subvert that process or the will of the people. The Karman Line annexation was a transparent and thorough two-year process. This annexation was first recommended by Planning Commission, which is comprised of dedicated, unpaid volunteers who thoroughly reviewed the proposal in its entirety. It was then voted on and approved by City Council, who is elected by the people to oversee and vote on such issues. This was by no means a hasty decision. It was made after careful consideration, in-depth analysis of critical issues like water, utilities, and public safety, and meaningful public discourse to ensure we responsibly manage growth with a long-term mindset. Public safety agencies have also expressed support, and Colorado Springs Utilities, another key body involved in city infrastructure planning, has given its approval, assuring there is enough water to support future development. I cannot underscore enough that a rigorous review and democratic process was upheld. What unfolded after that was a misleading campaign sponsored by local special interest groups. They systematically worked to weaponize our democratic petition process by spreading misinformation, attempting to manipulate the facts, and in some cases, outright deceiving people. Now, on Tuesday, City Council once again faces an important decision regarding the Karman Line annexation. Councilmembers will have two choices. One, bring the Karman Line annexation to the ballot to let you decide. Or, two, repeal their decision to annex and, instead, allow local special interest groups who did not like the outcome to unfairly influence the future of our city's growth in place of you, the voters. I offer my full support to our City Council in reaffirming its previous decision and responding to the referenda requirements by sending the question to the voters. To me, this supports our democratic process. The strength of our democracy lies in the will of the people, and it is imperative that we protect and honor that process. As your Mayor, I stand firmly in support of upholding that commitment. I ran on ensuring every voice was represented. By now putting the Karman Line annexation to the ballot, we give a voice to all residents, not just to those who signed the petitions and who may or may not have understood the full proposal. The path forward is clear. We must stand up for what is right. This is true whether or not the final decision is what we want – the end cannot justify the means. We must now and always protect the democratic values and integrity that our country was built on and ensure that Colorado Springs evolves into a city for the many, not just the few. Onward and upward, Mayor Yemi Mobolade Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
