Elon Musk buys a town in the middle of Texas and issues a warning to residents: “You could lose the right to follow”
Starbase seeks to implement a new zoning plan that could reshape the area, and limit long-time residents’ access to their land.
The city of Starbase, Texas, which serves as headquarters for Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is moving forward with a new zoning model that, according to the aerospace company, could strip residents of access to their own properties.
“The city of Starbase is holding a hearing to determine whether you may lose the right to continue using your property for its current purpose. Please read this notice carefully,” warned newly appointed city manager Kent Myers.
What is the population of Musk’s Starbase?
Starbase is home to SpaceX’s Starship program, designed to eventually carry passengers to the Moon and Mars. Earlier this month, around 200 of the area’s 283 eligible voters – most of them SpaceX employees – approved a proposal to officially transform the Texas land into a city governed by Starbase. The total population is about 500, with more than half employed by SpaceX – including the mayor – which helped the proposal pass with ease.
The vision for Starbase includes a mix of residential, office, commercial, and small-scale service zones. Residents have received a zoning memo outlining the plan.
“Our goal is to ensure the zoning plan reflects the city’s vision of balanced growth, while protecting key economic drivers, ensuring public safety, and preserving green spaces,” the document said. In recent years, Musk has repeatedly pursued a similar strategy – relocating company operations to remote, low-cost areas with minimal taxes.
What’s happening with SpaceX?
Zoning approval comes as SpaceX’s launch activity ramps up. This week, the Federal Aviation Administration approved the company’s request to increase its annual launches from five to 25. Still, even Musk’s rockets don’t always stick the landing. On Tuesday, a 404-foot Starship lost control and crashed into the Indian Ocean during a failed launch.
All SpaceX launches are carried out from Boca Chica Beach – a site officially approved by the Texas Senate. Republican state senator Adam Hinojosa has introduced a bill that would allow Starbase to close the beach on weekdays, while Cameron County authorities would control weekend access. This growing system of restrictions has already drawn criticism from locals, who say they can no longer enjoy free access to the beach.
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