Mark Zuckerberg Had Illegal School at His Palo Alto Compound. Neighbors Revolted
16 days ago
- #Zoning Dispute
- #Real Estate
- #Celebrity Neighbors
- Mark Zuckerberg's expansive compound in Palo Alto's Crescent Park neighborhood includes 11 properties, raising concerns among neighbors about market impact and zoning violations.
- Neighbors reported an unpermitted school operating on the Zuckerberg property since 2021, with up to 30 students, leading to a prolonged dispute with city officials.
- Documents reveal complaints about noise, traffic, and security disruptions linked to the Zuckerberg compound over nearly a decade.
- Palo Alto officials claimed consistent enforcement of zoning laws, but neighbors accused the city of preferential treatment towards the Zuckerbergs.
- The school, named 'Bicken Ben School,' allegedly operated without a required conditional use permit, leading to a city-mandated shutdown by June 2025.
- Zuckerberg's representatives argued the school complied with residential use laws and explored obtaining a daycare license, but neighbors remained unsatisfied.
- Neighbors demanded transparency, reduced disruptions, and adherence to zoning laws, but tensions persisted over unresolved issues and perceived lack of accountability.