Elon Musk is building a corporate campus in rural Texas, where his new headquarters for X, his social media platform, will be located. The move comes as the world’s richest man seeks to escape California’s liberal policies and find more business-friendly laws. But not everyone is welcoming the tech mogul’s arrival.
In Bastrop, a small town 30 minutes east of Austin, locals have mixed views about Musk’s development plans. While some see it as an economic boost, others worry about the impact on their community. “It’s almost like we have a split personality,” says Sylvia Carrillo, city manager of Bastrop. “Residents are happy that their children and grandchildren will have jobs in the area, but concerns about water pollution and housing density persist.”
The Boring Company, one of Musk’s ventures, has faced criticism for its environmental practices, including a $11,876 fine for water pollution violations. SpaceX, another Musk-backed company, is also expanding its operations in Bastrop, with plans to create over 400 new jobs.
Despite the concerns, local officials are optimistic about the economic benefits Musk’s companies will bring. “If nothing else, what’s good is the amount of jobs that this is bringing in,” says Judah Ross, a local real estate agent. Alfonso Lopez, a resident who initially moved to Bastrop for its affordable housing market, now wants to stay despite his reservations about Musk’s management practices.
As Bastrop continues to grow and develop, city officials are taking steps to protect the community’s character. Laws limiting housing density and providing for public parks have been enacted, aiming to preserve the town’s historic nature while allowing for growth on the outskirts.
The question remains whether Musk’s companies will become good neighbors and contribute positively to the local economy. Only time will tell if Bastrop’s residents will welcome Elon Musk’s Texas Empire with open arms or continue to express concerns about its impact.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9de28n71ldo