Cloudflare CEO's Mansion Plans Face Resistance in Park City

2024

A conflict between tech billionaire Matthew Prince and his neighbors in Park City, Utah, has sparked controversy over his plans to build an 11,000-square-foot mansion. Prince, the CEO of Cloudflare Inc., has been accused of trying to steamroll his way into building a sprawling home that would eclipse surrounding residences and challenge local height and size limits.

Prince's troubles began when he purchased a property on 220 King Road in late 2020 and proposed building a larger, taller home, pool, and "accessory" buildings. Despite city officials clearing his plans, a group of locals led by Eric and Susan Hermann have appealed, citing violations of local ordinances. Neighbors have accused Prince of being a bully who turns petty when he doesn't get his way.

They point to his failed effort to pass a state bill allowing him to build his mansion with little local input and his attempts to rally support from neighbors with undisclosed connections to him. Additionally, Prince has filed complaints against the Hermanns' two Bernese Mountain dogs and sued them over a rock wall between their properties.

Prince's ownership of the local newspaper, the Park Record, has raised concerns about conflict of interest. The paper has published several stories about Prince's plans, including some with a positive tone. Editor Don Rogers, who is living rent-free in one of Prince's properties, denies any conflict of interest.

The dispute has sparked a strong reaction from the community, with "Save Sasha and Mocha" stickers being distributed around town in support of the Hermanns' dogs. Residents have also flocked to social media to express their support for the Hermanns and criticize Prince's actions.

Prince's conflict with his neighbors is not an isolated incident. Other tech billionaires, such as Salesforce Inc.'s Marc Benioff and Oracle Corp.'s Larry Ellison, have faced similar disputes over their land purchases and development plans in Hawaii. The appeal of Prince's project is set to be reviewed on April 30, and the outcome remains uncertain. One thing is clear, however: the dispute has highlighted the tensions between wealthy individuals and local communities, and the need for transparency and accountability in development projects.
The situation has also raised questions about the influence of money and power in local politics. Prince's wealth and connections have given him a significant advantage in the dispute, and some residents fear that his influence may sway the outcome of the appeal. "It's David versus Goliath," said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "Prince has all the resources and connections, and it's hard to see how the Hermanns can compete with that."

The dispute has also highlighted the need for better planning and development regulations in Park City. The city's rapid growth and influx of wealthy residents have put pressure on local infrastructure and services, and some residents feel that the city is not doing enough to manage the growth and protect the community's character. "We need to make sure that development is sustainable and responsible," said another resident. "We can't just let wealthy individuals build whatever they want, without regard for the community."

As the appeal of Prince's project approaches, the community remains divided. Some residents support Prince's plans, seeing them as a sign of progress and investment in the community. Others are fiercely opposed, citing concerns about the impact on the community and the environment. One thing is certain, however: the outcome of the appeal will have significant implications for the future of Park City, and the community is eagerly awaiting the decision.

In the meantime, the dispute has sparked a wider conversation about the role of wealth and power in local politics, and the need for transparency and accountability in development projects. It has also highlighted the importance of community engagement and participation in the planning process, and the need for residents to make their voices heard. As one resident said, "This dispute is not just about Prince's mansion – it's about the future of our community."