BISBEE — The outcome of a request for a special-use permit that would allow roping or rodeo events four times a month will be one of the topics for discussion at the county Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Wednesday.

Tom Anderson wants to provide rodeo and roping competition on a 40-acre parcel in Mescal that lies just north of Interstate 10 on Meadowlark Lane. He plans to have three portable corrals, an arena and an 80-foot announcer stand, all of which will be lighted for occasional nighttime events, according to documentation provided by the Planning and Zoning Department.

County planner Michael Turisk writes, “ ... This proposed use is one that can be considered harmonious with many uses that are typical for rural areas in that the activities are one representation of the rural character of Cochise County. Roping events and rodeo arenas are a reflection of this area’s ranching history and these activities are ones that occur in the rural districts.”

The special-use permit is being opposed by residents who cite dust, noise, odor and even fire as reason for denial.

J. Milligan writes in opposition, “... I know what roping is. You can glamorize your arena all you want, but it’s still another place to demonstrate disrespect and cruelty for other living things ...”

But, Dave Carpenter in a letter of support to Anderson wrote, “ ... I can’t see the sense of these type of folks that want to move out to the country where there are horses and livestock and then proceed to start sniveling and whining about dust, flies, noise, etc., etc. ...”

Planning and zoning also received the signatures of 124 residents, many from Benson and Mescal, who support Anderson’s effort. Staff has recommended conditional approval.

Another special-use permit to be considered by the commission is an application by All the King’s Horses Children’s Ranch to construct a master-planned community for foster children and families on 90 acres of land just outside the Benson city limits off of South Railroad and South Grapevine Loop, both non-county maintained roads. To date, the department has received no letters of opposition or support and has recommended conditional approval.

A third special-use permit pertains to an eight-acre dog-breeding facility on Appaloosa Lane near Benson. Marion Beal-Lindenmayer is requesting to legally establish dog breeding facilities to accommodate up to 50 adult dogs. Though planning staff have received five letters in opposition, they recommend conditional approval.

The commission also will decide on granting a fourth special-use permit to accommodate a 2.5-mile touring track for a private high-end automobile club on 740 acres west of Willcox on West Airport Road. Applicant Barry Orcas states the track will not be used for racing. Staff has recommended conditional approval.

The commission also will discuss and possibly forward with approval the tentative plat for Rincon View Subdivision, an 87.3-acre parcel with 27 lots, on North Tequila Trail.