The New York Times reports that while Elon Musk has a sizable fan base, residents of West Lake Hills, an upscale Austin suburb, remain unimpressed by their celebrity neighbor. The $6 million home Musk purchased in 2022 has become the focus of contention after his team installed an unauthorized 16-foot chain-link fence, a metal gate, and outward-facing cameras.
Paul Hemmer, a Tesla owner and retired real estate agent living across the street, serves as president of the neighborhood homeowners association. He refers to Musk’s property as “Fort Knox.”
The presence of Musk’s security personnel, many visibly armed, and their vehicles have disrupted the quiet street. Residents are also concerned about Musk’s potential return from Washington, worrying about more than just his failure to obtain construction permits. In a planning meeting, Hemmer remarked on how Musk frequently builds first and seeks permission later.
According to the Times, Hemmer faces challenges due to Musk’s proximity, as Musk’s security once reported him to police claiming he was naked in the street. Hemmer contends that he was on his own property wearing underwear while flying drones over Musk’s house to check for ordinance violations.
