SpaceX “built its experimental spaceport in and around Boca Chica Village, a decades-old community of about 20 elderly residents,” reports Business Insider.
But now “SpaceX is trying to buy as much of Boca Chica Village as it can and move people out…following an accidental brush fire, public-safety notices warning of the possibility for explosions, and a push to have the Federal Aviation Administration approve orbital-class launches with larger rockets.”
“When SpaceX first identified Cameron County as a potential spaceport location, we did not anticipate that local residents would experience significant disruption from our presence,” the letter said. “However, it has become clear that expansion of spaceflight activities as well as compliance with Federal Aviation Administration and other public safety regulations will make it increasingly more challenging to minimize disruption to residents of the Village… SpaceX is offering you three times the independently appraised fair market value of your property,” the letter said. “The offer is good through two weeks from the date of this letter….”
For those who commit to a sale, SpaceX said it would cover closing and other real-estate costs. It also comes packaged with an additional perk. “SpaceX recognizes that your close proximity to its operations has offered a unique opportunity to experience at close-hand the development of what will be the world’s most advanced rocket. In appreciation of your support, we will offer all residents of the Village who accept the purchase offer the opportunity to continue their connection with the development of Starship by extending an invitation to attend future private VIP launch viewing events that are unavailable to the public.”
Homeowner Cheryl Stevens complained to CBS News that the company has encroached on their neighborhood. “They’re behaving as if this is Cape Canaveral. And it’s not. It’s not a military base. It’s just a regular neighborhood, and a public beach, and a state highway. And suddenly, because they’re here, stop the presses. Everything has to change for SpaceX.”
SpaceX issued the following statement to CBS News: “We are entering a new and exciting era in space exploration and Texas is playing an increasingly important role in our efforts to help make humanity multi-planetary.
“As we develop Starship — the world’s most advanced launch system ever — we are listening and responding to our neighbors’ concerns and are striving to minimize disruptions as much as possible. We are working closely with Cameron County to facilitate public safety and provide regular road and beach closure updates to the public through a telephone hotline and on Cameron County’s website.”
of this story at Slashdot.
Source:: Slashdot