Elon Musk is on the brink of converting a small South Texas community, currently home to his SpaceX launch site, into an official city named Starbase. The vote, scheduled for Saturday, involves just 283 eligible residents, many of whom work for Musk’s company. As of Tuesday, nearly 200 had already cast early ballots, suggesting an expected win for the billionaire entrepreneur.
Musk, who has heavily invested in Texas through ventures like SpaceX and Tesla, first floated the idea of Starbase in 2021. The proposed city would span 1.5 square miles along the Mexican border and include a mix of residential properties, trailers, and industrial facilities. While Musk has not detailed the city’s exact purpose, the move appears to further cement his growing control over the area.
Push for Control and Efficiency
A key feature of the proposed city is tighter control over public access particularly to Boca Chica Beach and State Park. Currently, rocket launches and equipment transportation require Cameron County to coordinate road and beach closures. According to the Associated Press, new legislation aims to transfer that authority to Starbase itself, streamlining operations as SpaceX looks to increase annual launches from 5 to 25.
In a letter to lawmakers, SpaceX’s VP of Starship Legal and Regulatory, Sheila McCorkle, emphasized the company’s $4 billion investment and the thousands of Texas jobs it supports.
Public Opposition Grows
However, the prospect of a Musk-controlled city has some backlash. Local officials and environmentalists worry about losing public access to what’s long been referred to as the “poor people’s beach.” At a recent legislative hearing, hundreds voiced concerns about the development.
According to the Associated Press, Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevio Jr. stated the county had responsibly handled past beach closures and argued the proposed bill does not reflect the community’s interests. Activists like Bekah Hinojosa remain vocal in their opposition, warning against unchecked corporate influence over public areas.
Also Read: King Charles: My cancer diagnosis revealed ‘the very best of humanity’
About The Author
