New Modular Units at Voltaire and Abbott for Rent on Airbnb Despite Owner’s Pledge

Photo from Airbnb ad.

When the 3 two-story modular units planed for the south-east corner of Voltaire and Abbott were approved by the OB Planning Board in early September 2014, one of the applicant-owners stated to the Board unequivocally that he planned to live in one of the units. Now that they have been built, it appears that the units – at least one of them – are listed on Airbnb – for $229 to $349 a night.

One visitor left this review (my emphasis):

We stayed one night at Three on Abbott and it was awesome! We had an opportunity to tour the other units in addition to the one we stayed in; they’re beautifully designed and make great use of every square inch, with versatile sleeping and leisure areas.

Another reviewer lavished more praise:

We loved our stay in these brand new homes right in one of the coolest beach areas around.

Jessica, the wife of the designer/ architect, organizes visitors to spend time at the units. Here what she says on the webpage for the units:

The Three on Abbott project is the first property fully designed and built by my family and friends in a unique partnership of talent, energy and expertise. This property allows me to open our doors to friends and strangers looking for the rest, ingenuity and play that San Diego has to offer.

It does appear that all 3 units are being used as short-term vacation rentals despite the owner’s promise or pledge to live in one of them. This raises the question – and this is not the first time this has happened – what can the OB Planning Board do about this frustrating development?