In the quiet suburb of West Lake Hills in Austin, Texas, the situation between neighbours has reached a boiling point. Ever since Elon Musk bought up several properties there and turned them into a high-security estate with 16-foot high fences, cameras and security guards, his neighbours have felt increasingly harassed - and they have decided to fight back. According to the New York Post, one of them, Paul Hemmer, describes the situation drastically: ‘I call this place Fort Knox’. The permanent video surveillance of Musk's property is apparently also directed at neighbouring properties.
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Violations of building regulations and police operations
According to local regulations, the construction of the security fence exceeds the permitted height by a good three metres - this is just one of several illegal measures, say some of the residents.
After months of putting up with it, neighbour Paul Hemmer finally said enough after Elon Musk's security team accused him of standing naked in the street. He denies this and claims, according to a report by Dagens, that he was only on his own land wearing black underwear.
Neighbourhood fights back - city reacts
Paul Hemmer and other residents filed formal complaints with the West Lake Hills Planning Board. They accuse Elon Musk, whose SpaceX estate is set to become a real city, of polluting the once quiet area with fleets of vehicles, constant staff changes and the erection of illegal buildings.
In April 2025, the local planning commission ruled unanimously in favour of the residents. Elon Musk now faces the threat of having his conversions demolished - the city council will have the final say on the case on 14 May.
A safe retreat - but at what price?
Elon Musk justifies the measures with security threats. In fact, the billionaire is repeatedly the target of public and private criticism - but even neighbour Anne Yeakel questions whether a residence in a sensitive residential area is the right choice: ‘Castles are built on hills, aren't they?’
What was apparently intended as a private retreat has turned into a PR disaster for Musk and an annoyance test for the neighbourhood. The story is a perfect example of how the desire for privacy and security of a super-rich person can collide with the common good - and that not everyone in Texas is allowed to build their own ‘Fort Knox’ as they please.
This article has been translated from Gentside DE.
Read more:
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Sources used:
New York Post: Elon Musk’s security guards at ‘Fort Knox’ Texas compound called cops on neighbor they thought was naked: report
Dagens: ‘Elon Musk’s Security Caught Me Peeing’: Neighbor in Texas Spy Drama Outraged
