It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Neill-Cochran House Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in West Lake Hills, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
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“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. ”
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“I am a current client of this provider Lori and staff - What a sanity saver”
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“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing hospice care for my mother in my home. I could not have done it without them. The caregivers are kind and dependable. The company was supportive in every aspect of my mother's care. I cannot thank them enough for their support during this difficult time.”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and helpful.”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided in home care when my mom got out of the hospital and, in parallel, helped us find an assisted living facility. I was calling them from the hospital and we didn't know when my mom would be discharged or what kind of care she would need and Always Best Care was responsive, flexible and provided guidance when we needed it most. This was a stressful time and they gave us peace of mind while providing the best care for my mom. The caregivers were on time, thoughtful and kind. I'd recommend Always Best Care to anyone trying to navigate the complexities of eldercare.”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and really takes care of patients to make them feel comfortable and safe!”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care to help care for our mother, initially when she was still able to do a significant amount on her own. Over time she declined and needed different levels of care. At each stage, Lori, Kyle, and each member of the ABC team listened to our needs, and was warm, caring, attentive, patient, punctual, and flexible in accommodating Mom‘s abilities, needs, and wants. Caregivers often went above and beyond, and the teams’ communication with my siblings and me was terrific – – especially helpful since none of us lived in the area. I feel fortunate to have been connected with Lori and Kyle, and I highly recommend the ABC team.”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to know my loved ones are in good hands ????”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who would need this service”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers were on time, professional, and did what mom/we asked of them and more. The owners, Lori & Kyle, listened to our needs and went above and beyond in their help and care. A few times when we had to take mom to the ER, Lori and/ or Kyle came to the house to be sure all of mom's needs were met. At the end of mom's life, their caregivers could not have been more attentive, kind, caring and professional. I would highly recommend ABC Care for your loved one.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. I know I can trust them to make sure our Mom gets the care and help she needs. And caregiver Leah is so very kind -- she's the best!”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited us in person to introduce the new aide, to make sure instructions were done smoothy. ABC came thru in a very critical time for us. Forever grateful for their compassion & thoughtfulness to our health needs.”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in a skilled nursing facility and it continues to provide steady, reliable and helpful care now that she is at home. The owners are very kind and authentic and seem to really care about the people they are helping! My mother adores her caregiver. Would highly recommend.”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care. She’s caring, intelligent, dependable and friendly. She would be an excellent service provider!”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she was in a leadership role. I worked with her and her team on multiple projects as a liaison to the County Manager or head of the municipal organization. Lori is consistent in her treatment of peers, communication style, and commitment to her staff. I would be fortunate to work with Lori in the future and would provide her business if given the opportunity as I know they’d be in great hands.”
“I am a current client of this provider Lori and staff - What a sanity saver and great team. From day one we have felt that Mom’s well being is their first priority. We were extremely hesitant to turn over care to someone else. But those concerns vanished immediately— thanks to the team’s communication and compassion. It’s a great comfort knowing the entire staff are there for us and responsive to our need and requests.”
“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for my elder loved ones. It's locally owned by a the kindest couple who treat every patient and employee like part of their family. Their caregivers are compassionate and give me a sense of comfort knowing my loved ones are in good hands when I cannot be with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting West Lake Beach with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Sway or visit Texas Governor's Mansion, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in West Lake Hills, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in West Lake Hills, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in West Lake Hills, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Residents of an upscale Austin suburb are increasingly frustrated with their neighbor, Elon Musk, enough that the matter is now the subject of official city meetings.Their complaints on the unneighborly conduct include a 16-foot chain-link fence surrounding Musk’s $6 million property and an evolving rotation of security guards who arrive in a fleet of cars often left parked on the street, according to ...
Residents of an upscale Austin suburb are increasingly frustrated with their neighbor, Elon Musk, enough that the matter is now the subject of official city meetings.
Their complaints on the unneighborly conduct include a 16-foot chain-link fence surrounding Musk’s $6 million property and an evolving rotation of security guards who arrive in a fleet of cars often left parked on the street, according to The New York Times.
Security personnel reportedly change shifts three times a day. In one instance, a passing driver shouted late at night that he was looking for a party at “E’s house,” the Times reported.
The dispute has escalated into a broader debate over city ordinances, permits and exceptions known as variances. It was the subject of a heated Zoning and Planning Commission meeting last month and is now headed to the West Lake Hills City Council on May 14.
"I call that place Fort Knox,” Paul Hemmer, a retired real estate agent who lives across the street and is president of the neighborhood homeowners association, told The Times.
According to The Times, neighbors said the property is noticeably quieter when Elon Musk is out of town, particularly in recent months, as he’s spent most of his time in Washington advising President Donald Trump. However, they expect that to change soon, after Musk publicly stated he plans to spend less time in the Capitol and return to Texas.
Hemmer — a longtime Tesla owner — told The Times he became so frustrated that he began flying a drone over the property to look for possible city code violations. He also keeps a video camera pointed at the house 24/7. Last year, he filed complaints with West Lake Hills officials about Musk’s towering fence, increased traffic, and his belief that the billionaire was running a security operation from the home.
Musk purchased the home in 2022 through a limited liability company named after the street where the property is located. The house sits in the middle of a residential neighborhood, positioned at the bottom of about two acres of sloping land off a narrow public road — a layout that presents security challenges.
Musk also owns another nearby property that some have described as a “compound.” The $35 million estate includes two large, upscale homes and a third house located nearby. Among them are a 14,400-square-foot Tuscan-style mansion and a six-bedroom residence. The property was reportedly intended to house Musk’s extended family, including their mothers, though not all have lived there.
Despite these holdings, Musk primarily resides in a $50,000 house in Boca Chica, according to Architectural Digest. The modest home is located just outside of Starbase — the site of his SpaceX launch facility — where workers overwhelmingly voted in favor of forming a new city last weekend.
Elon Musk has ruffled plenty of feathers since stepping more prominently into the political arena. Now, it seems he’s also a bad neighbor.In 2022, Musk purchased a six-bedroom, $6 million mansion in the upscale Austin suburb of West Lake Hills, Texas. At the time, he didn’t knock on doors or introduce himself to his new neighbors—but word spread quickly, especially when visibly armed security personnel and their vehicles began appearing on the quiet suburban street.Since moving in, Musk has erected an unauthor...
Elon Musk has ruffled plenty of feathers since stepping more prominently into the political arena. Now, it seems he’s also a bad neighbor.
In 2022, Musk purchased a six-bedroom, $6 million mansion in the upscale Austin suburb of West Lake Hills, Texas. At the time, he didn’t knock on doors or introduce himself to his new neighbors—but word spread quickly, especially when visibly armed security personnel and their vehicles began appearing on the quiet suburban street.
Since moving in, Musk has erected an unauthorized 16-foot chain-link fence, installed a metal gate, and mounted outward-facing cameras—actions that have irritated local residents, according to a recent report by The New York Times.
“I call that place Fort Knox,” said Paul Hemmer, a Tesla owner and retired real estate agent who lives across the street. Hemmer is also president of the neighborhood homeowners association.
When Musk later attempted to retroactively gain permission for the additions—which violate six city ordinances—the West Lake Hills Zoning and Planning Commission voted unanimously against granting variances. “We’d incentivize people to break the rules,” one commissioner told the Times.
The matter is now set to go before the West Lake Hills City Council in a session scheduled for May 14. Unless the Council overrules the commission’s decision, the fence and gate may need to be removed or modified to comply with town regulations.
The mansion is one of three Musk has purchased in the area over the past three years, with plans to create a compound for his children and their mothers. Musician Claire Boucher, better known by her stage name Grimes, previously lived there with the three children she shares with Musk. Shivon Zilis, a brain technology executive and mother to four of Musk’s children, lives just a 10-minute walk away.
Sign up for the On Tech newsletter. Get our best tech reporting from the week.Few people want beefs with their neighbors to become public. That includes Elon Musk.In March, Mr. Musk’s team lobbied officials in the upscale city of West Lake Hills, Texas, to keep quiet the details of one of his mansions and security operations, according to emails to city employees obtained by The New York Times throug...
Sign up for the On Tech newsletter. Get our best tech reporting from the week.
Few people want beefs with their neighbors to become public. That includes Elon Musk.
In March, Mr. Musk’s team lobbied officials in the upscale city of West Lake Hills, Texas, to keep quiet the details of one of his mansions and security operations, according to emails to city employees obtained by The New York Times through public records requests.
In those emails, the tech billionaire’s employees asked West Lake Hills officials to make private a public meeting in April — where neighbors might speak about his $6 million house. They pointed to Mr. Musk’s work with the Trump administration as reason that his property records and communications with the city be exempted from state and federal public records laws, the emails showed.
The homeowner should be exempt because he is a “federal public official,” one of Mr. Musk’s employees wrote in an email sent to the city on March 3, adding, “We can provide federal clearance documentation if needed.”
Mr. Musk, 53, was trying to keep a disagreement with his neighbors over the construction of a 16-foot, chain-link fence and a metal gate with a camera at the mansion under wraps. He had made the changes to the property without obtaining the proper permits, violating six city ordinances, and was trying to retroactively address the issue.
His privacy push was unsuccessful. The West Lake Hills city attorney ruled against a closed meeting, the emails show. Last month, at a gathering of the Zoning and Planning Commission, Mr. Musk lost his appeal to keep the fence and gate on his property. The matter goes next to a City Council meeting, which had been scheduled for May 14 but was rescheduled for June 11 after “the applicant requested a postponement,” Trey Fletcher, the city administrator, said on Tuesday.
Mr. Fletcher declined to comment on the city documents. Mr. Musk and his team did not respond to requests for comment.
The 6,900-square-foot, six-bedroom home in West Lake Hills is one of three mansions that Mr. Musk bought over the past few years for his children and their mothers. The mansion, on a residential cul-de-sac of four homes, is where Mr. Musk stays when he is in Austin and has become a hub for his growing security operations. He bought the property in 2022 through a limited liability company.
After the 16-foot fence and separate gate were erected, neighbors complained about the structures and the traffic on the leafy street. That led West Lake Hills officials to investigate.
By March, Mr. Musk’s staff had become concerned that any documentation it sent to the city would become public, the emails show. Tisha Ritta, a permit official working for Mr. Musk’s limited liability company, emailed the city to request that a hearing scheduled to discuss issues at the property be kept private.
Inna Kaplun, who was identified as a lawyer working for “the property owner,” also emailed the city, arguing that the owner should be exempt from a public hearing because of numerous security personnel at the property, including federal marshals. Citing a Texas statute, the lawyer said government entities did not have to conduct an open meeting to deliberate “security personnel or devices.”
Mr. Musk’s staff members and city officials held at least one meeting in March to discuss the property, the emails show. In mid-March, the city attorney for West Lake Hills ruled against Mr. Musk’s request for a private hearing, citing the Texas Open Meetings Act, according to an email.
At the public Zoning and Planning Commission meeting last month, city employees recommended that Mr. Musk be allowed to keep the fence and gate he had built without permits, albeit with small changes required. Some of the commission’s six members questioned the city staff about the proposal, according to a recording of the meeting.
The commission ultimately voted to recommend that the City Council deny Mr. Musk the exceptions for his projects.
Elon Musk in Texas
Inside Starbase, Elon Musk’s New City
Kirsten Grind is an investigative business reporter for The Times, writing stories about companies, chief executives and billionaires across Silicon Valley and the technology industry.
See more on: Elon Musk
High fences make bad neighbors.At least that’s what those living near Elon Musk’s “Fort Knox” high-walled compound near Austin, Texas, claim — including allegations that the mogul’s security forces called the cops on one neighbor for allegedly standing naked in the street.Paul Hemmer, a retired real estate agent and head of the neighborhood homeowners association in West Lake Hills, has been among the most vocal residents complaining about Musk’s alleged zoning code violations.He...
High fences make bad neighbors.
At least that’s what those living near Elon Musk’s “Fort Knox” high-walled compound near Austin, Texas, claim — including allegations that the mogul’s security forces called the cops on one neighbor for allegedly standing naked in the street.
Paul Hemmer, a retired real estate agent and head of the neighborhood homeowners association in West Lake Hills, has been among the most vocal residents complaining about Musk’s alleged zoning code violations.
He told the New York Times that he has been under constant surveillance from Musk’s security cameras, which were installed on the grounds of a property that the billionaire mogul purchased with the intention of merging with two other adjacent lots to serve as a compound for him, his 13 kids and their mothers.
“I call that place Fort Knox,” Hemmer told the Times.
Last year, Musk’s security team accused Hemmer of indecent behavior, alleging he was nude outside his home.
Hemmer denied that he was naked and said he was on his property wearing black underwear.
On another occasion, Hemmer stopped to urinate while walking his dog — which Musk’s security surveillance captured.
“The cameras got me,” Hemmer told the Times. “It’s scary they have guys sitting and watching me pee.”
Hemmer’s outrage at Musk prompted him to fly a video-equipped drone over his property in a bid to document alleged violations, the Times reported.
Hemmer and other residents of an upscale cul-de-sac in West Lake Hills, an affluent suburb just west of Austin, launched a formal complaint against Musk after he moved in to their neighborhood in 2022.
The world’s richest man — whose portfolio of companies includes Tesla, SpaceX, X and Neuralink, — purchased the $6 million, 6,900-square-foot mansion through a limited liability company.
Musk’s arrival in the neighborhood, however, was anything but subtle as neighbors soon observed unsettling changes, the Times reported.
Workers installed a towering 16-foot chain-link fence around the property — significantly exceeding local height restrictions — accompanied by outward-facing surveillance cameras.
The fence is 10 feet higher than zoning ordinances permit, according to the Times.
Traffic congestion soon became another sore point.
Residents noted fleets of vehicles, particularly Teslas, routinely parked on their previously serene streets.
Security personnel, identifiable by their firearm holsters, changed shifts three times daily, adding to neighborhood frustrations, according to the Times.
The scale of the construction also violated at least six city ordinances, the Times reported.
Musk’s representatives sought to retroactively gain permission for the various construction projects in and around the property, but were denied last month, according to the outlet.
Hemmer, whose house is located across the street from Musk’s compound, voiced his irritation in a formal complaint to the city.
“Transporting service employees to other houses, leaving their cars on our quiet streets, hauling laundry to and fro to other houses has to stop,” he wrote in the complaint.
Hemmer and other neighbors formally appealed to the West Lake Hills Zoning and Planning Commission, stating that Musk was effectively operating a security business from his residence.
Last month, the commission unanimously sided with the neighbors.
Commissioner Jim Pledger emphasized the seriousness of the infractions, declaring: “If an exception was made, we’d incentivize people to break the rules.”
The West Lake Hills city council will review the zoning commission’s decision on May 14. Musk faces a potential mandate to dismantle his non-compliant installations.
In a bid to justify Musk’s actions, his representatives cited ongoing security threats to the billionaire.
Longtime resident Anne Yeakel questioned Musk’s decision to move to the neighborhood.
“Castles are supposed to be built on hills, right?” she remarked.
“These were sophisticated buyers, and if security was the prime directive, this was not the house for it.”
The New York Times (NYT) leaked Elon Musk’s home address in an article published May 5, according to The Intercept.The article, titled, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor. No Thanks Elon Musk,” discusses complaints reportedly made by neighbors about Musk’s six million dollar home in West Lake Hills, Texas. The...
The New York Times (NYT) leaked Elon Musk’s home address in an article published May 5, according to The Intercept.
The article, titled, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor. No Thanks Elon Musk,” discusses complaints reportedly made by neighbors about Musk’s six million dollar home in West Lake Hills, Texas. The article’s original featured image contained Musk’s address on a zoning complaint document, The Intercept reported. (RELATED: Welcome to Elon Musk’s New Company Town: ‘Starbase, TX’ Votes To Incorporate)
“An image accompanying this piece of journalism has since been updated by an editor. The Times makes updates to our journalism when warranted,” the NYT told the Daily Caller.
The Intercept said it confirmed that the address belongs to Musk by using “online maps, satellite images, and real estate listings” and noted that the home is also listed as Musk’s address in a paternity court document. The NYT reportedly changed the photo shortly after The Intercept inquired about the address.
Musk’s social platform, X, suspended an account in 2022 for tracking the location of the tech mogul’s private jet.
Musk announced in December 2020 that he had moved to the Lone Star State in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. The Tesla CEO claimed business opportunities were a large reason behind the move.
Musk did not immediately respond to the DC’s request for comment
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