{"id":414434,"date":"2026-07-27T22:26:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T22:26:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/414434\/"},"modified":"2026-07-27T22:26:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T22:26:10","slug":"court-could-authorize-removal-of-controversial-rooftop-jet-in-coronado-cays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/414434\/","title":{"rendered":"Court could authorize removal of controversial rooftop jet in Coronado Cays"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The developer calls it artistic expression. Some neighbors say its an eyesore.<\/p>\n

A 40 foot Gulfstream G550 jet fuselage was installed at the rooftop of 15 Sandpiper Strand on Wednesday, July 22 as part of a custom home rebuild, but it\u2019s unclear how long the fuselage will remain. Lawyers representing a group of Coronado Cays residents opposing the project say the court could order the developer to remove it.<\/p>\n

It all comes down to the outcome of a hearing set for September 14.<\/p>\n

A group of Cays residents launched the lawsuit last spring against the Coronado Cays Homeowners Association and the developer of the home, Abduleah Albusseir.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are confident that California law supports our clients\u2019 position that the project may be halted,\u201d wrote Kevin Rhine, attorney with Donohoo Rhine PC in an email last month. \u201cShould the fuselage be installed prior to an injunction having been issued, the Court had indicated that it would have the authority to order the fuselage removed should our clients prove successful in establishing their position.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lawsuit alleges that the jet fuselage is not in harmony with surrounding structures as required by the HOA and is detrimental to property values in the exclusive waterfront community.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn fact, unless a catastrophic disaster has occurred, one will not find airplane parts on any of the roofs of any of the homes in the Coronado Cays,\u201d reads the complaint.<\/p>\n

The lawsuit says the structure constitutes a nuisance to homeowners, as the jet fuselage creates a Disney-style spectacle sure to increase traffic on streets and waterways. The fact that the board approved an exposed airplane fuselage on a residential roof \u201cdefies belief,\u201d according to the 18-page complaint.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The 40-foot jet fuselage was lifted onto the top of 15 Sandpiper Strand on Wednesday, July 22.<\/p>\n

A key component of the lawsuit is the allegation that the HOA approved the project in 2023 without 3D plans as required. Nor were the neighbors properly notified.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember, the real issue isn\u2019t whether one likes it or dislikes it, or how visible it is,\u201d said Cays resident Dawn Richards. \u201cIt\u2019s the fact that the HOA violated its CC&R by approving the fuselage without the 3D drawing required by the CC&R, which is a legally binding HOA rule.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richards, who spoke about the issue at the Coronado Cays Homeowners Association meeting on Thursday, July 23, says that the HOA is known for shutting down much less conspicuous changes or additions. This includes a basketball hoop in a side yard, an exterior repaint in neutral colors and an air conditioner.<\/p>\n

The inconsistency is leaving residents scratching their heads.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy the discrepancy in what\u2019s permitted by the HOA?\u201d asked Richards.<\/p>\n

A neighbor who lives across the channel says that the installation threatens the quiet enjoyment of her home.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks to the HOA, my neighbors and I will look at \u2018The X Don\u2019 sign on a plane every morning while having coffee from our master bedrooms, and our patios,\u201d said the neighbor, who did not want to give her name. \u201cBy the way, the structure will remain empty as the HOA does not permit any interior use of this plane. Any plans for a cocktail hour or a sophisticated Dubai-style bar experience is off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The fuselage is visible from streets and waterways in the Coronado Cays. This picture was taken on Admiralty Cross.<\/p>\n

Some residents have raised questions about what \u2014 if any \u2014 role the City of Coronado has in approving plans like this. According to Jesse Brown, Principal Planner with the City of Coronado, the city is required to review all plans for compliance with the city\u2019s zoning ordinance and building code.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe look for compliance with the regulations and the standards in the Zoning Ordinance, Building Code, and other state laws as applicable,\u201d said Brown. \u201cFor properties in the Cays, we require the homeowner to show that they have approval from the Cays HOA before issuing a permit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brown did admit that in his ten years in this role at the city, he had not seen any other homes that have been approved by the Cays HOA with a plane fuselage or similar features on its roof.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe [Coronado Cays] HOA is responsible for enforcing their rules and regulations,\u201d he said. \u201cThe City is not a part of that process.\u201d<\/p>\n

The home at 15 Sandpiper, otherwise known as \u201cCasa Faten: The Jet House,\u201d is being built by a developer named Donatello Bonasera Development, LLC. According an email from the Donatello Bonasera Development Team, the developer is \u201cfully confident in our legally approved plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

He wrote that the controversy has been driven by \u201ca small minority of neighbors,\u201d who have \u201cemployed various immature and desperate tactics\u201d ranging from group chats, websites, inflatable displays, yard signs, and legal action.<\/p>\n

\u201c[They are doing this] in an attempt to steer public opinion, and dictate how a property owner should build his personal vacation home. These efforts have not succeeded,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n

He said he believes the actions of this group do not represent the broader Coronado community.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe owner\u2019s legal team is fully prepared to defend his rights in court \u2014 whether facing a single neighbor or an entire neighborhood \u2014 and will do so with courtesy and professionalism until the matter reaches its conclusion,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n

Cays resident Carol Gallegos says she thinks the entire thing boils down to money. She says she was frustrated by the Cays HOA when they refused to allow stairs outside of the ADU she built for her son-in-law, a disabled vet. The stairs were recommended by her contractor for fire safety.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it has to do with money. If you have money, you can get it done,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She thinks that the jet fuselage is an eyesore.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s ridiculous, and it\u2019s not fair to the rest of the community,\u201d she said. \u201cIt sets a bad precedent. Anyone can come up with some fantastical, amusement park-style addition.\u201d<\/p>\n

As far as the developer of the Jet House, he says he has complied with the law so far, and will continue to do so\u2026regardless of the outcome in September.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will respectfully abide by the court\u2019s decision,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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