Elon Musk, despite having a significant fan following, does not impress the residents of the affluent Austin suburb of West Lake Hills, Texas, according to a report by the New York Times. A $6 million home purchased by Musk in 2022 has become a source of contention after his team erected a 16-foot chain-link fence, installed a metal gate, and mounted outward-facing cameras without authorization.
Paul Hemmer, a Tesla owner, retired real estate agent, and president of the neighborhood homeowners association, refers to Musk’s property as “Fort Knox.” The activities of Musk’s visibly armed security personnel and their vehicles have disrupted the peaceful neighborhood. The potential of Musk returning from Washington raises concerns beyond his failure to obtain proper construction permits. Hemmer noted in a planning meeting that Musk has a reputation for building first and seeking permission later.
Hemmer, living closest to the billionaire, faces the greatest challenges. The security team once reported him to the police, alleging he was naked in the street. Hemmer, who has flown drones over Musk’s property to check for ordinance violations, insists he was on his own property in his underwear.
