The new city of Starbase, built by SpaceX employees near the company’s launch site in South Texas, is set to take over responsibility for part of Boca Chica Beach. Cameron County commissioners voted Tuesday to approve a deal that gives Starbase control over cleaning, maintenance, and setting rules for construction and events on the beach.
This agreement is a step toward Starbase functioning more independently. The city was created earlier this year after employees of Elon Musk’s SpaceX pushed for its formation, hoping it would boost growth around the company. Under the deal, Starbase will also address the ongoing problem of beach erosion, which has worn away 10 to 20 feet of shoreline each year in the area, according to a study by the University of Texas at Arlington.
County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. praised nearby South Padre Island for successfully managing its dunes and expressed hope that Starbase would do the same to protect Boca Chica Beach. “This should be a win-win for everyone—Starbase, the county, visitors, and the public,” he said.
Starbase officials will vote on the beach agreement this Thursday and adopt local rules at the same time. These rules will cover building permits close to the beach, activities that could harm the dunes or vegetation, and permits for special events. Any event with more than 25 people, amplified sound, structures, or vehicles will need city approval. The city will also be able to close the beach temporarily for rocket launches, a power recently granted to the Texas Space Commission and Starbase, taking over from Cameron County.
Despite these plans, some community members and environmental groups remain concerned. Bekah Hinojosa, a local resident and activist, spoke against the city’s control during a recent meeting. She argued that Boca Chica Beach should stay under county management and criticized Starbase as being just Elon Musk’s company town responsible for damage to the beach. Environmental groups like Save RGV and the Sierra Club continue to challenge beach closures during SpaceX launches in court.
Starbase’s move to manage part of Boca Chica Beach shows how the city is growing and controlling its surroundings, but it also highlights ongoing debates about public access, environmental protection, and the influence of private companies in the area.