Despite Elon Musk’s considerable celebrity status, residents of the affluent Austin suburb of West Lake Hills, Texas, are less than impressed with their famous neighbor, according to a report by the New York Times. A $6 million home that Musk bought in 2022 has become the focal point of controversy after his team constructed an unauthorized 16-foot chain-link fence, installed a metal gate, and added outward-facing cameras.
“I call that place Fort Knox,” remarked Paul Hemmer, a Tesla owner and retired real estate agent who lives across the street and serves as president of the neighborhood homeowners association.
Musk’s security personnel, many of whom are visibly armed, along with their vehicles, have disrupted the once-peaceful street. The potential for Musk’s return from Washington has raised concerns among residents, particularly regarding his tendency to undertake construction projects without first securing the necessary permits. “If you follow him at all in the news, he’s always guilty of building stuff and then asking for permission later,” Hemmer expressed during a planning meeting.
For Hemmer, the challenges posed by the billionaire’s proximity have been significant. According to the Times, Musk’s security team once reported him to the police, alleging that he was naked in the street. Hemmer, who has even flown drones over Musk’s property in search of ordinance violations, defended himself by stating he was simply on his own property in his underwear.
