SpaceX’s Starbase Warns Residents of Losing Property Rights Amid Zoning Changes

SpaceX’s Starbase Warns Residents of Losing Property Rights Amid Zoning Changes

Starbase, the corporate city in Texas owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has issued warnings to residents that they may lose the right to "continue using" their properties as they currently do.

The notice comes as the city considers adopting new zoning regulations and a municipal map, which could redefine land use in the area.

SpaceX’s Starbase Warns Residents of Losing Property Rights Amid Zoning Changes

Previously known as Boca Chica Village, Starbase is proposing the creation of a new "mixed-use district" that would allow for residential, office, retail, and small-scale commercial activities.

However, property owners in the proposed zone have been alerted that their current use of land may no longer be permitted under the new rules. The notification was signed by Kent Myers, the recently appointed city administrator of Starbase, according to ValleyCentral.com.

Public hearings on the proposed zoning changes and city map are scheduled for June 23 in Starbase. Representatives from Starbase and SpaceX have not responded to requests for additional information.

The Rise of Starbase: A Corporate City

Starbase, officially incorporated as a Type C municipal corporation earlier this month, is now governed by officials who are current or former SpaceX employees. This development follows SpaceX's victory in local elections, solidifying its control over the area. As of early 2023, Starbase had a population of around 500 people, with approximately 260 directly employed by SpaceX. Most other residents are relatives of SpaceX employees, according to the Texas Tribune .

The city encompasses SpaceX’s sprawling 1.6-square-mile industrial complex, including the launch site where the company conducts test flights of its massive Starship rocket. On Thursday, just two days after SpaceX conducted its ninth test flight of Starship—ending in an explosion—Starbase held its first city commission meeting.

The explosion marked the third consecutive failure for the aerospace and defense contractor. Despite the setback, Elon Musk, who also leads Tesla, emphasized the importance of learning from the data and lessons gathered during these tests. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that no injuries or damage to public property were reported during Wednesday’s incident.

Starship’s Ambitious Goals

The Starship system is designed to transport humans and cargo across Earth, to the Moon, and eventually to Mars. Since 2008, SpaceX has secured over $20 billion in government contracts and is poised to receive several billion dollars annually in the coming years.

The transformation of Starbase into a corporate city streamlines SpaceX’s operations, granting it near-unlimited authority to build, test, and launch rockets from its Gulf Coast facility.

However, the city continues to push for greater autonomy, including the ability to close major roads and beaches for launch events without prior approval from external authorities. These efforts have sparked concerns among residents about their rights and the future of their properties.

Residents’ Concerns Over Zoning Changes

The proposed zoning changes have raised alarms among property owners, who fear losing the ability to use their land as they see fit. While the new mixed-use district aims to accommodate diverse activities, it remains unclear how existing residential properties will be affected. Some residents worry that the changes prioritize SpaceX’s operational needs over their rights as homeowners.

As Starbase evolves into a hub for SpaceX’s ambitious space exploration projects, tensions between corporate interests and individual property rights are likely to intensify.
The outcome of the June 23 public hearing will be crucial in determining the balance between SpaceX’s goals and the community’s needs.
FX24

Author’s Posts