Mark Zuckerberg presents unique gifts to neighbours on Christmas — are noise-cancelling headphones a good idea?
Facebook’s billionaire co-founder Mark Zuckerberg attracted attention this Christmas when he gifted unique gifts to his neighbors in Palo Alto. The ongoing construction work in many houses in the area created tension in the neighborhood, which was affected by intense noise and disruptions.
To calm the tension, he gifted noise-cancelling headphones as a peace offering at this festival. New York Times reported. Meta’s CEO was concerned about neighbors disappointed by the expansion and replacement of 11 homes in the Crescent Park area.
The 41-year-old billionaire has purchased nearly 11 homes on Edgewood Drive and Hamilton Boulevard over the past 14 years, spending more than $110 million in cash. This enclave was once dominated by lawyers, business executives and Stanford University professors. However, Mark Zuckerberg’s commissioned activities have defined the area over the years, as it’s not just construction equipment disrupting the neighbors’ peace, surveillance and frequent lavish parties are driving them up the wall.
“Mark, Priscilla and their children have made Palo Alto their home for over a decade. They value being members of the community and have taken many steps above and beyond any local requirements to prevent unrest in the neighborhood.” Luck A spokesperson for Mark Zuckerberg was quoted as saying.
Mark Zuckerberg is giving away gifts to calm his angry neighbors
Along with noise-canceling headphones, Zuckerberg’s staff also offered gifts to appease neighbors who complained about street congestion, debris and incessant noise as ongoing problems. Among the various gifts Zuckerberg offered were bottles of sparkling wine and boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts.
Nearly eight years of construction activity and disruptions surrounding Zuckerberg’s sprawling housing complex have sparked discontent among neighbors. According to reports, Meta Chief has added 7,000 square meters of space under the residential complex. Neighborhood residents describe these basements as “bunkers” or “billionaires’ bat caves.”
Zuckerberg has clashed with his neighbors several times in the past. The Facebook co-founder’s real estate projects did not attract the attention of his neighbors because Palo Alto officials rejected a proposal in 2016 to demolish four houses and replace them with smaller houses and large basements. To avoid regulatory hurdles, Zuckerberg continued his plans piecemeal.
Zuckerberg’s construction plans and land acquisitions have frequently sparked local controversy, although the Palo Alto City Council and some residents describe it as the city’s regulatory inaction and exploitation of zoning loopholes. Notably, he owns several other properties, including a 2,300-acre estate in Kauai, Hawaii, homes in Lake Tahoe, and a mansion in Washington, DC.
