Panel OKs lodging at Kilmer's ranch

LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) - San Miguel County's zoning commission has approved a lodging business on actor Val Kilmer's northern New Mexico ranch, although nearby property owners complained he's been a poor neighbor.

The ranch plans three guest houses to house up to eight people.

Pam Sawyer, manager of Kilmer's Pecos River Ranch, says it would impact 100 acres of the 5,000-acre-plus ranch.

Neighbor Abran Tapia said the ranch was an attempt at segregation to keep out Hispanics.

He also complained the ranch won't let anyone fish along the Pecos River on Kilmer's property.

But Phil Howes, who lives on the ranch, says people can fish if they ask permission.

He says the actor has attended Pecos basketball games and bought T-shirts to throw out to fans and offered free woodcutting on his ranch.

Information from: Las Vegas Optic