Newsletter Signup

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter below and never miss the latest product or an exclusive offer.

Post Malone , win Concert Tickets, Photos Instagram @Postmalone, Jelly Roll - big

SpaceX’s Starbase to Become the Newest City in Texas

  • SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas is seeking cityhood, with a vote on incorporation set for Saturday.
  • Critics worry about SpaceX’s growing power, especially regarding beach access and local regulations.
  • Supporters argue that incorporating Starbase will help manage resources and support SpaceX’s rapid growth.

SpaceX’s Starbase on the Gulf coast is quickly becoming a key player in the world of space exploration. This remote site is now home to the launch facilities for SpaceX’s Starship, a rocket system designed to send humans to Mars. For over a decade, SpaceX has been developing the site, building powerful rockets and testing their capabilities. The towering launch pad and large propellant tanks now stand out against the flatlands of southern Texas, a region known for its natural beauty. The area has rapidly transformed into a construction zone, with heavy machinery and new structures rising at a fast pace. What once was a quiet part of Texas is now turning into a bustling hub for space exploration.

Soon, this area, known as Starbase, could become the newest city in Texas. On Saturday, the 283 registered voters living here—almost all of them SpaceX employees—will decide if they want to incorporate Starbase as a Type-C municipality. This decision would create a small city government with a mayor and two commissioners, giving the area more control over local issues. While some see this as a positive step forward for the growth of space exploration, others have raised concerns about SpaceX gaining too much power and autonomy.

The Push for Cityhood: A Step Toward the Future

SpaceX’s proposal to turn Starbase into a city could position the area as a future leader in space exploration. Critics, however, worry that turning Starbase into a city will allow SpaceX to bypass important regulations. Many are concerned that the company might restrict access to Boca Chica Beach, a popular public beach, for its own interests. Local residents, who cherish the beach for fishing and recreation, fear they could lose their rights to access it if the area becomes a city. This issue has even reached the Texas legislature, where a lawmaker proposed a bill to grant Starbase’s future mayor control over beach access. Despite passing in the state Senate, the bill failed to move forward in the House, giving locals some relief, though they fear the issue may come up again.

“We want SpaceX to succeed, but not at the cost of losing our freedoms,” said Rene Medrano, a local landowner. Medrano, who has lived in the area for 40 years, represents the balance between tradition and innovation that many locals feel. SpaceX’s progress is exciting, but residents like Medrano don’t want it to overshadow their way of life. He and others hope the company can continue its work without restricting access to the beach or other local resources.

Starbase’s Rapid Growth and New Developments

If Starbase becomes a city, the proposed boundaries will cover less than 1.5 square miles. This area includes SpaceX’s facilities and a few newly built neighborhoods around them. Out of 247 residential lots in the proposed city, most are owned by SpaceX or its employees. The population of the area has grown rapidly, with nearly 95% of the registered voters having moved to the area since 2021. Supporters of the incorporation argue that becoming a city will help Starbase manage its growth and resources better. With more autonomy, they believe the area can develop in a way that makes it easier for SpaceX employees to live and work there.

Anthony Gomez, a non-SpaceX employee who owns property in the area, believes that more people will want to live near SpaceX’s facilities. “Living next to such cutting-edge technology would be an amazing opportunity,” he said. Gomez, who runs a business where SpaceX fans can watch rocket launches, sees the potential for Starbase to grow into a thriving community. He believes the city’s creation will help relieve pressure on Cameron County by managing its resources more efficiently.

A Company Town at the Edge of Innovation

Starbase is rapidly taking shape as a “company town.” The area is home to SpaceX’s new, one-million-square-foot factory and several housing developments for its workers. The neighborhood features a variety of housing options, including tiny homes, Airstream trailers, and single-family houses. A new school, funded privately at $20 million, is being built for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school, named “Ad Astra,” meaning “to the stars,” will cater to the growing community in the area.

Moving vans, palm trees, and construction equipment line the streets. Residents and workers zip by on bikes and scooters, while Teslas sit plugged into charging stations. The noise of construction is constant, with bulldozers and other heavy machinery working on every corner. SpaceX employees and their families enjoy the community’s convenience, but some worry that the rapid pace of development could outpace the county’s ability to manage it effectively.

Protecting Access to Boca Chica Beach

One of the biggest concerns for locals is the future of Boca Chica Beach, a popular public space for fishing and recreation. The beach is located just a short distance from SpaceX’s launch site, and the road that leads to it passes through the SpaceX facility. Locals, including Medrano, want to ensure that the beach remains accessible to the public, even as SpaceX continues to grow.

Currently, Cameron County closes the highway to the beach on launch days and issues delays when SpaceX conducts tests or transports equipment. Residents can sign up for text alerts to stay informed about road closures. However, some worry that the growing influence of SpaceX could eventually lead to restrictions on public access to the beach. A bill introduced in the Texas legislature this year proposed giving the mayor of Starbase control over beach access. While the bill did not pass in the House, it highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between development and public access.

A Controversial Move: The Debate Over Starbase’s Future

SpaceX’s push to incorporate Starbase has sparked debate about the company’s influence and the potential consequences for local residents. Some see the move as a way for SpaceX to avoid certain regulations and gain more control over the area. Jared Hockema, the city manager of nearby Port Isabel, questions whether the company’s desire for city status is about progress or profit. “Are they respecting the public interest?” he asked. Hockema believes that while SpaceX is doing good work, the public should not be overlooked in the process.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño understands the challenges that come with SpaceX’s growing presence.He sees the company’s success as a positive development for the local economy, but he also wants to ensure that officials address residents’ concerns. “We hope this continues to benefit both the county and SpaceX,” Treviño said, recognizing that balancing SpaceX’s needs with the public’s will be crucial for the area’s future.

What Lies Ahead for Starbase and Its Residents

If the voters approve Starbase’s incorporation, the county will need to certify the results, and the new city will officially be established. For Anthony Gomez, the move is an exciting step for the future of SpaceX. He believes it will help the area keep pace with the rapid growth that SpaceX is driving. “SpaceX is moving faster than the county can keep up,” he said. Gomez’s business, Rocket Ranch, offers a front-row seat to SpaceX launches, attracting fans from around the world. He is closely connected to the SpaceX community and sees the company’s achievements as a testament to human progress.

“The technology they’re developing is incredible,” Gomez said. “I don’t think there’s a county in the world that wouldn’t want to be a part of something like this.” The decision to turn Starbase into a city will have far-reaching implications, but for now, the focus remains on the future of space exploration and the community that’s building it.

TOP HEADLINES

Harvard Grads Applaud Speakers Advocating Resilience

On Thursday, Harvard University held its commencement ceremony amidst ongoing challenges the institution faces...

Judge Continues Block on Foreign Student Ban by Trump

A federal judge in Boston prolonged an injunction on Thursday, preventing the Trump administration...

Steve Marshall Enters U.S. Senate Race in Alabama

In Montgomery, Alabama, the state's Attorney General, Steve Marshall, has declared his intention to...

Did Kitchen Job Aid ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ Prison...

Arkansas authorities are currently investigating if a job in the prison kitchen aided the...

Prosecution concludes case in Karen Read murder trial

In the ongoing retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her Boston police officer...

New Mexico Schools Tackle Pollution amid Oil Boom

In the small community of Counselor, New Mexico, a daunting reality confronts families like...
USLive
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.