Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has been reported to be causing trouble for his neighbors to the extent that he is referred to as the 'neighborhood villain.'
According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 10th (local time), Zuckerberg has significantly transformed the environment of Crescent Park, an affluent residential area in Palo Alto, California, over the past 14 years.
Zuckerberg spent about $110 million (approximately 152.8 billion won) over 14 years to purchase 11 high-end dwellings surrounding his residence. In the process, he reportedly offered some residents amounts reaching two to three times the market price to sell their homes.
According to reports, he began to make this area his 'kingdom.' He demolished three of the four dwellings adjacent to his home and created a large central garden, guesthouse, fountain, pickleball court, and wine cellar.
Notably, a 2-meter tall statue of his wife, Priscilla Chan, was installed in the garden, which is surrounded by a high wall. The underground space of the dwelling is reported to be 650 square meters, and one dwelling was turned into a private school for their children. Although the operation of the private school violates local government ordinances, Zuckerberg is said to be indifferent.
During the construction process, it was reported that when he failed to receive approval to demolish four dwellings simultaneously, he utilized loopholes in the ordinance by splitting the demolitions into groups of fewer than three.
The construction lasted for eight years. Residents stated that they experienced inconveniences due to driveway restrictions, damage to vehicles caused by poor management of construction equipment, unauthorized parking by workers in neighbors' homes, and nearby dining.
NYT also reported that noise problems from parties hosted by the Zuckerbergs were repeated. Even when neighbors reported it, the police did not take special measures and were often deployed around the event to support Zuckerberg's side. When noise became an issue, Zuckerberg would sometimes send gifts such as wine or chocolate to the neighbors.
The issue of surveillance cameras was also raised. Zuckerberg installed surveillance cameras facing neighboring dwellings, and there were testimonies that he removed them after a resident threatened to install their own cameras in retaliation. Additionally, Zuckerberg's security team has caused friction by filming or interrogating nearby residents from vehicles with excessive security measures.
In response, Zuckerberg's side stated, 'As a CEO, I am exposed to significant threats, so a high level of security is necessary,' and, 'We are doing our best to ensure that neighbors are not harmed.'