Local residents described eight years of constant construction, blocked driveways and debris
Mark Zuckerberg's neighbors are not happy with his takeover of their Palo Alto, Calif., neighborhood.
The Meta CEO, 41, first moved into the Crescent Park neighborhood in 2011, after purchasing a 5,600-square-foot home on Edgewood Drive. According to an Aug. 10 report from The New York Times, since moving in, Zuckerberg has spent more than $110 million to purchase 11 nearby properties.
Zuckerberg has converted five of his homes into a compound as his main residence for him, his wife Priscilla Chan and their three daughters, per The Times.
The property features guest homes, gardens, a pickleball court, a pool with a hydrofloor covering and even a 7-foot silver statue of Chan, 40, commissioned by Zuckerberg. Underneath the compound, the tech executive added 7,000 square feet of what was referred to as basement space in permits, but neighbors call it bunkers or the billionaire's bat cave.
Elsewhere, one of the properties has been used as a private school for 14 children, despite city code prohibiting it. According to The Times, six adults, including four teachers, worked there last year.
Speaking to The Times, nine neighbors, seven of whom asked not to be identified out of fear of retribution, described eight years of constant construction, blocked driveways, debris and even car mirrors broken off by equipment. They also spoke about increased levels of surveillance throughout the neighborhood, including newly installed security cameras and security guards sitting in cars.
"No neighborhood wants to be occupied," Michael Kieschnick, a Palo Alto resident whose home shares three sides with property owned by Zuckerberg, told the outlet. "But that's exactly what they've done. They've occupied our neighborhood."
Kieschnick said his neighbors are frustrated with Zuckerberg over the takeover, but they are also angry with the city of Palo Alto. In 2016, a city board rejected his application to build a compound. But over time, the city has approved 56 permits for Zuckerberg's properties, allowing him to slowly build it.
Neighbors also alleged the police department recently posted signs creating a tow-away zone on a public road for five hours. Kieschnick later learned it was for a backyard barbecue hosted by the CEO.
"Billionaires everywhere are used to just making their own rules -- Zuckerberg and Chan are not unique, except that they're our neighbors," Kieschnick added. "But it's a mystery why the city has been so feckless."
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Kieschnick told The Times he's been approached by Zuckerberg's team with an offer to buy his home of more than 30 years. But his answer is no.
In a statement to PEOPLE, a representative for the couple explained the sentimental importance of their home.
"Mark, Priscilla and their children have made Palo Alto their home for more than a decade," the rep told PEOPLE. "They value being members of the community and have taken a number of steps above and beyond any local requirements to avoid disruption in the neighborhood."
According to the representative, staff, vendors and crews are frequently reminded to minimize noise and they are encouraged to carpool or taxi to and from the property. Construction occasionally blocks street parking, but events and gatherings do not as the couple ensures they comply with local ordinances.
To accommodate the neighbors, the couple has made some changes. The Times reports security guards now sit in quiet electric vehicles. His staff has also sent gifts to neighbors when things have gotten out of hand, including sparkling wine, chocolates, Krispy Kreme doughnuts and even noise-canceling headphones.