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Starbase, Texas, a small town closely tied to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has issued a warning to some residents that they may “lose the right to continue using” their properties as they currently do, according to a memo obtained by CNBC. The town, located in Cameron County near the Gulf Coast, is proposing a new zoning ordinance and a comprehensive citywide map, potentially reshaping the community’s landscape to accommodate SpaceX’s expanding operations.The notice, sent to property owners within a proposed “Mixed Use District,” outlines plans to permit a blend of “residential, office, retail, and small-scale service uses” in the area. This shift could transform the town, which currently spans just 1.6 square miles and serves primarily as a hub for SpaceX’s ambitious Starship rocket program. The proposed zoning changes aim to integrate commercial and service-oriented developments, potentially prioritizing SpaceX’s operational needs over existing residential uses.Starbase has scheduled a public hearing on June 23, 2025, to discuss the zoning ordinance and map, offering residents a chance to voice concerns. The notice was signed by Kent Myers, Starbase’s newly appointed city administrator, who recently assumed the role, according to ValleyCentral.com. Neither Starbase officials nor SpaceX responded to CNBC’s requests for further details on Thursday, leaving residents with limited information about the potential impact.Incorporated earlier this month as a “type-C municipal corporation” following a local election heavily influenced by SpaceX, Starbase is now governed by a mix of current and former SpaceX employees. The town’s formation marks a significant milestone for Musk’s aerospace company, which has transformed the area since establishing its launch facility in 2014. Starbase’s population, estimated at around 500 as of early 2025, includes approximately 260 SpaceX employees, with most other residents being their relatives, per the Texas Tribune.Starbase held its inaugural city commission meeting this week, marking its first formal step as a municipality. The meeting followed closely after the Starship test, highlighting the town’s dual identity as both a residential community and a corporate stronghold for SpaceX. The proposed zoning changes could further align Starbase’s development with SpaceX’s long-term objectives, including plans to expand its launch facilities and support infrastructure.
Here’s the text of the memo (notice) sent to Starbase residents as reported by CNBC
May 21, 2025Dear Starbase Property Owner/Property Occupant,Notice is hereby given that the City Commission for the City of Starbase will conduct a Public Hearing on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at the City of Starbase temporary city hall located at 39046 LBJ Boulevard, Brownsville, TX 78521, to hear public comments, consider and act upon the adoption of a Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and city wide Zoning Map.Our goal is to ensure that the zoning plan reflects the City’s vision for balanced growth, protecting critical economic drivers, ensuring public safety, and preserving green spaces. You are receiving this notice because you own the above listed property that will be located in the “Mixed Use District” and will be impacted if the zoning ordinance is approved. The Mixed Use District allows for a blend of residential, office, retail, and small-scale service uses. A proposed zoning map is enclosed with this notice. You may view the draft zoning ordinance on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the above listed public hearing.The City is required by Texas law to notify you of the following: THE CITY OF STARBASE IS HOLDING A HEARING THAT WILL DETERMINE WHETHER YOU MAY LOSE THE RIGHT TO CONTINUE USING YOUR PROPERTY FOR ITS CURRENT USE, PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY. The foregoing notice is required by Texas Local Government Code section 211.006(a-1). The proposed zoning ordinance is based on current and existing uses.Please contact City Administrator Kent Myers [email address redacted] with any questions or written comments. Your written comments must be submitted by 3:00 pm on June 22, 2025. Public comments may also be given at the above listed public hearing.Best Wishes, Kent MyersCity Administrator, City of Starbase[addresses redacted]cityofstarbase-texas.com
What critics of SpaceX town say
Critics, including some local advocacy groups, have raised concerns about the rapid transformation of Starbase, citing potential environmental impacts and the risk of prioritizing corporate interests over residents’ rights. The area’s proximity to the Boca Chica State Park and its ecologically sensitive wetlands has also drawn scrutiny from environmentalists, who worry about the effects of increased development.As Starbase prepares for the June 23 hearing, residents are bracing for changes that could redefine their community. The outcome of the zoning ordinance will likely signal whether Starbase remains a company town centered on SpaceX’s ambitions or evolves into a more balanced community with diverse land uses. For now, the town remains a unique experiment in corporate-driven urban planning, with Elon Musk’s vision for space exploration at its core.
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