Sun May 04 03:08:43 UTC 2025: ## SpaceX’s Starbase Wins City Status Amidst Controversy

**McALLEN, Texas –** Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket facility, Starbase, has officially become a Texas city following a landslide victory in a Saturday election. The vote, largely comprised of SpaceX employees, has been met with both celebration and criticism.

While Musk hailed the news as Starbase becoming “a real city,” the move has sparked concerns over increased corporate control and potential limitations on public access to Boca Chica Beach and State Park, vital recreational areas for local residents. The new city’s jurisdiction is approximately 1.5 square miles and includes SpaceX facilities, employee housing, and a popular beach.

The incorporation is linked to SpaceX’s application to increase the number of launches from five to 25 annually. Company officials argue that city status will streamline launch operations, including necessary beach closures during tests and launches. They contend that the company already manages local infrastructure, including roads, utilities, schooling and medical care.

However, critics, including the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, argue that beach closure authority should remain with Cameron County, which represents a broader population. Protests were held on Saturday, highlighting concerns about the loss of access to a culturally and historically significant beach for local communities. One proposed bill would even criminalize non-compliance with beach evacuation orders.

The controversy underscores a tension between the economic benefits of SpaceX’s presence and the preservation of public access and environmental concerns. Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. has expressed confidence in the existing collaboration with SpaceX, suggesting the need for a new city is unwarranted. The future of the beach and the balance between corporate interests and community rights remain at the forefront of this ongoing debate.

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