Tesla Inc. is encountering pushback from community and environmental organisations over its plans to host a 15,000-person party to commemorate the inauguration of its Austin facility.
According to plans filed to Travis County, which includes Austin, the firm aims to give tours of the 8 million-square-foot complex, food, and two stages with live music during the invite-only event on April 7. Officials gave clearance Tuesday after hearing from worried neighbours.
Paul DiFiore, a spokesman of the Colorado River Conservancy and the Austin-based environmental justice organisation PODER, noted concerns such as noise, blocked roads, construction dust, and water contamination.
“This grand opening does not replace genuine community participation,” DiFiore said. “I urge you to deny this permit and compel Tesla to postpone their celebration until they begin treating the Eastern Travis County community as more than a source of labour for Elon Musk, but as neighbours and partners.”
Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has many enterprises in Texas, just resided there, and last year moved Tesla’s headquarters to Austin. In Brownsville, his SpaceX venture has boosted the local economy, but has also sparked opposition from residents who resent the influx of wealth and subsequent increase in real estate prices.
Tesla did not reply to our inquiry for comment.
On Tuesday, the firm held a spectacular opening ceremony for its first European facility outside of Berlin. At least one protester was removed by police after he blocked a road during a demonstration against the factory’s environmental impact.