NYT: "Multiple legal violations" ...Zuckerberg's side: "Security is essential, efforts made to minimize inconvenience to residents"
Testimonies have emerged claiming that Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms (Meta), has caused significant inconvenience to his neighbors by purchasing and renovating numerous homes in his neighborhood over the past 14 years. On August 10 (local time), Yonhap News, citing the New York Times (NYT), reported that the lives of residents in Crescent Park, an affluent area of Palo Alto, California, changed dramatically after Zuckerberg moved in.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms (Meta), and his wife Priscilla Chan. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News
Zuckerberg began acquiring not only his own residence but also nearby homes. He offered substantial sums, up to $14.5 million, to residents including lawyers, doctors, and professors from nearby Stanford University. Some residents accepted his offers, which were two to three times the market price, sold their homes to Zuckerberg, and left the area. Over the course of 14 years, Zuckerberg purchased 11 houses in this manner, spending a total of $110 million.
After acquiring the properties, Zuckerberg began demolishing the buildings to construct his own 'kingdom.' He created a large central garden, installed a small guesthouse, a fountain, a pickleball court, and a wine cellar. In the garden, which is surrounded by a high wall, a two-meter-tall statue of Zuckerberg's wife, Priscilla Chan, was also erected. A large underground space of 650 square meters was built beneath the residence. In addition, one of the homes was converted into a private school for Zuckerberg's children and others. Operating a private school in this area is a violation of city ordinances. However, Zuckerberg appeared unconcerned.
NYT: "Multiple legal violations" ...Zuckerberg's side: "Security is essential, efforts made to minimize inconvenience to residents"
There have also been issues during the construction process. Previously, in 2016, Zuckerberg submitted an application to the city to demolish four houses and build a smaller house with an expanded underground space. The architectural review board rejected his application. However, Zuckerberg ignored this and proceeded with the construction. Demolishing four houses at once requires city approval, but under city ordinances, if the work is divided into projects involving fewer than three houses at a time, approval is not required. Zuckerberg exploited this loophole. The construction lasted for eight years. During this period, nearby residents experienced considerable inconvenience.
Access roads were blocked at will, and improper management of construction equipment and materials led to incidents where residents' cars were damaged. Construction workers frequently parked in front of neighbors' homes or ate meals nearby. Various parties hosted by the Zuckerberg couple also became a source of distress for neighbors. When parties were held, the area in front of Zuckerberg's residence was crowded with guests' vehicles, and loud music often played late into the night. Residents complained that even when they reported noise coming from Zuckerberg's mansion, the police did not respond. In fact, it was reported that the police would be stationed around the area during Zuckerberg's parties and events to assist with the proceedings. When noise became an issue, Zuckerberg sometimes sent gifts such as wine or chocolate to his neighbors.
There was even an instance where noise-canceling headphones were sent to a neighbor who had complained. Additionally, testimonies emerged that Zuckerberg installed surveillance cameras facing neighboring gardens, causing further friction. One resident stated, "I told Zuckerberg's team that I would install a camera facing their house as well, and only then was the camera removed." Furthermore, it was reported that Zuckerberg's security team filmed residents passing by in their vehicles and even conducted checks. In response to the controversy, Zuckerberg's side stated, "As the CEO of Meta and a billionaire, Zuckerberg is exposed to significant threats and therefore requires a high level of security," adding, "The Zuckerberg couple is making efforts to ensure that neighbors are not harmed."
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