The shoe has finally dropped; Space Command is busy packing. Promises made, promises kept by President Donald Trump. The Redstone Arsenal at Huntsville, Ala., is rolling out the welcome mat.

The sooner we get over the fact we have been bested by another suitor, the better. The sooner we realize the damage might not be over, the better. Space Command might be gone, but what is not certain is whether Schriever SFB will go with it.

We need to pivot quickly and start acting like we have something to lose. Rewind one week to the Aug 28 BOCC meeting where Flying Horse Land Company presented a sketch plan of its proposed vision to capitalize on the nearly 7,000 employees of the base, “a project ripe for development.” Phase one of the proposed development buttresses the installation on its northern boundary.

Commissioners circled the wagons in support of the plan. Their enthusiasm was undiminished by the resounding voice of the people in the July 17 Colorado Springs referendum that defeated the similar Karman Line extension by an overwhelming 80% defeat.

The board’s support overruled the vote of the County Planning Commission that disapproved the project in a 5-3 vote in June. Further, their 4-1 supporting vote disregards multiple land use and master plans that have successfully held encroachment at bay since the base’s inception in 1985.

Allowed to address the board in scripted 3-minute intervals, Schiever’s leadership couched their position as “agnostic,” neutral to the plan, and not opposing growth. However, Schriever SFB Commander Col. Eric Bogue insisted, “the mission is paramount.” He enumerated four primary risks posed by the encroachment and encouraged a collaborative approach to responsible development.

Noting the encroachment issue is not unique to Schriever, Bogue revealed a Space Force-wide policy is presently under development. The Space Operations Compatibility Use Study is at Pentagon level, with anticipated approval by the end of the year. The study will produce specific data defining requirements for all Space Force installations to protect mission viability in the face of such encroachment.

The four risks include a threat to the “look angle” of the installation’s “golf ball” encased antennae, each with specific parameters. Unfettered horizon-to-horizon airspace is mission-essential for current and future technology. Electromagnetic interference, natural and adversarial, can also limit transmissions and impact the mission. Protection of the installation from cyber interference in the form of power, heat and cooling also poses a risk. Adversaries even seek access to cyber systems through local utilities.

The fourth issue is the look angle of neighboring structures looking down on the installation for intelligence value. Think: foreign actors occupying nearby residential property. Nearby development offers them a front row seat.

Doug Stimple, CEO of Classic Homes (Flying Horse), called out the military leadership for being “solely mission focused.” He cited there was a small probability of moving to Alabama. He discredited the cyber threat as “going down a rabbit hole, making it a bigger issue than it is.” He appealed to the board’s authority by stating, “Despite the federal requirements, you have the ultimate decision. And we [Classic Homes] will work with you.” He maintained the sketch plan is consistent with the master plan and “this project is ripe for development. We are not beholden to the military’s wishes.”

Commissioner Bill Wysong, the sole dissenting vote, attempted to offer the voice of reason. He advocated allowing Space Force time to present information and allow the board to make an educated decision. He insisted the sketch plan does not meet the master plan, which assumes a 2-mile buffer.

He reprimanded the board for not fulfilling its oath of office, to defend the constitution, and along with it, to protect their country from foreign enemies. “There is no reason we can’t wait three to four months when so much is at risk,” Wysong insisted.

Classic Homes CEO Stimple was the first to suggest that the city “would have to buy that property.” Commissioner Holly Williams followed through with her endorsement of this “fantastic idea.” Stating she does not believe in eminent domain, Williams promoted protecting the property rights of the present land owners over the demonstrated risks to the mission of the base.

Commissioner Chairwoman Carrie Geitner questioned the reality of the risk posed by encroachment. Rather than postpone the vote until the Space Force study is published, Geitner summarized her position as, “I don’t have enough information to infringe on the plans of the proponent.” Commissioner Cory Applegate made the motion to approve, which passed 4-1.

The Board of County Commissioners and the residents of El Paso County would do well to reappraise the true value of Shriever SFB to the nation. It is not merely a place of employment for 7,000 with an economic impact exceeding $1 billion.

It is not merely a fantastic opportunity for development, packing-in high density residential and commercial property, according to the sketch(y) plan. It is a national defense asset servicing over 20 space and cyberspace partners for the nation and our allies, with a highly sensitive and little understood mission.

Fifty years ago, our state planners so wanted Schriever (formerly CSOC) to occupy the pristine lands of east Colorado Springs that the state swapped land to make it possible. Now, overzealous developers have long forgotten its esteemed mission. Don’t let them pave that little Space Command paradise to put up a parking lot. We won’t know what we’ve got till it’s gone.

Candice Stutzriem is a 15-year Colorado Springs resident, retiring here after she and her spouse put it a combined 40 years’ service to the Air Force. The former public affairs officer later became a registered nurse. She is now a conservative political activist and serves as Republican Canvass Board member for El Paso County elections.