A Transformation of a Neighborhood
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, has significantly altered a once peaceful neighborhood in Palo Alto, California. Residents claim that the billionaire and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have taken over an area, turning it into a private compound. The couple initially moved to the Crescent Park neighborhood in 2011 when they purchased a 5,600-square-foot home on Edgewood Drive, which is considered the oldest house in the city.
Zuckerberg began acquiring more properties along Edgewood Drive and Hamilton Avenue, spending over $110 million to purchase at least 11 houses, some of which remain unoccupied. He transformed five of them into an opulent compound for himself, Chan, and their three daughters, including guest homes, lush gardens, a pickleball court, and a pool with a hydrofloor for parties. Additional properties include an entertainment center and a staging area for outdoor events, as well as a private school for 14 children, despite this being against city code.
At the heart of the compound is a seven-foot-tall statue of Priscilla Chan, which Zuckerberg unveiled on Instagram. Michel Kieschnick, whose home on Hamilton Avenue is surrounded by Zuckerberg's property, expressed concern about the transformation. "No neighborhood wants to be occupied," he said. "But that's exactly what they've done."
Expansion and Surveillance
Zuckerberg added 7,000 square feet of underground space to his properties, described by neighbors as more like bunkers or a billionaire's bat cave. The city has approved 56 permits for Zuckerberg's properties since he moved into the neighborhood, leading some residents to believe officials are accommodating his requests.
Residents reported increased surveillance, with cameras positioned at his homes and security guards filming visitors and questioning people walking on public sidewalks. The city police recently placed signs on trees warning of a tow-away zone, blocking residents from parking for five hours on a Wednesday evening due to a barbecue hosted by Zuckerberg.
Despite the rejection of his plan to buy four neighboring properties by the Architectural Review Board in 2016, Zuckerberg continued his development, albeit at a slower pace. Neighbors described eight years of construction, causing disruptions such as blocked driveways, flattened tires, and damaged car mirrors.
Community Impact
The constant construction has affected the daily lives of residents, with streets often blocked for days during large events. Parties hosted by Zuckerberg and Chan, including their wedding, involve valet parking and loud music, prompting calls to nonemergency police lines without responses.
Initially, the couple promised off-site parking and no demolition of homes, but these assurances were later denied. A spokesman for the couple, Aaron McLear, stated that they have tried to minimize disruption and ensure compliance with city codes. He also mentioned that security measures are necessary due to credible threats and that cameras are not aimed at neighbors.
McLear noted that recent home purchases were initiated by the sellers, emphasizing the family's long-term commitment to Palo Alto. However, Greer Stone, a member of the Palo Alto City Council, criticized the situation, stating that while the city followed the law, it was not acting in the spirit of the community.
Ongoing Efforts and Adjustments
In response to concerns, Zuckerberg has made some adjustments, such as switching to electric vehicles for security. While he does not attend annual block parties, he sent an ice cream cart to the last one. Staff have also provided gifts to neighbors before raucous events, including sparkling wine, chocolates, and noise-canceling headphones.
Despite the challenges, the community continues to navigate the changes brought by one of the world's wealthiest individuals. The ongoing dialogue highlights the tension between personal wealth and community impact, raising questions about the future of neighborhoods in the face of such significant transformations.