Cochise supervisors overturn Planning & Zoning, approve Wild Horse guest lodging and event center appeal

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors voted 2-1 on Oct. 21 to approve an appeal by Mario and Angela Robles and grant a special-use authorization to allow guest lodging and events on the southern portion of a property north of Benson.

The Robles sought permission to operate up to 15 guest lodging units and event facilities on roughly 40 acres within a larger property they described as about 108 acres. The Planning and Zoning Commission denied the special-use request by a 5-2 vote, citing neighborhood opposition and inconsistency with the Tres Alamos area plan. The board’s reversal followed a nearly three-hour public hearing with more than a dozen residents and property owners testifying for and against the proposal.

In their appeal statement, Angela Robles said the project is intended to “strengthen every corner of Cochise County” by keeping revenue local and creating jobs without changing the property’s rural character. “This permit gives us the ability to share that heritage with others in a way the county can truly be proud of,” she said.

Opponents argued…