BERMUDA DUNES, Calif. – A growing dispute over taxiway access at Bermuda Dunes Air Park has left homeowners feeling trapped and frustrated. Residents, many of whom have lived there for years, are challenging new owners who have blocked access to the taxiway that once served as a vital link for small planes and helicopters in this aviation-focused community.
The issue arose when the original owner of the air park passed away, and the property was sold to developers from Orange County. These developers, aiming to expand the air park, argue that residents have no legal right to use the taxiway without written documentation. However, residents claim that the previous owner granted a verbal easement, a common understanding in California real estate law, especially under the principles of prescriptive easement, which could be legally enforceable.
“For years, residents enjoyed unrestricted access to the taxiway for their aviation hobbies and daily needs,” said one resident. “Now, we’re essentially locked in our homes. If we open our hangar doors, it’s considered trespassing, and we could face arrest. It’s despicable.”
The tension has mounted, with some residents noting that the new developers’ actions are effectively holding them “hostage” in their own properties. “I moved here to enjoy access to the runway,” said another resident. “Now, I’m trapped.”
Since this story first aired on NBC Palm Springs Monday night, members of the California State Assembly have begun investigating the situation, prompted by concerns raised in response to the report.
Real estate experts like Michelle, a local broker, note that verbal easements, especially those aligning with long-standing usage patterns, may be legally recognized in California courts under prescriptive easement laws.
As the legal battle unfolds, Bermuda Dunes Air Park residents are hoping for a resolution that will restore their right to use the taxiway and preserve the aviation community that has been a part of the area for decades.
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By: Fred Roggin
May 29, 2025
