By Maria
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
In the September, 23, 1626, American folklore tells us the Indians sold Manhattan to Dutch colonists for $24 of beads and trinkets. In the early 21st century, August 2026, to be exact – almost 400 years ago to the day – history repeats itself in Brownsville.
On the table for the City Commission was $220 million for water projects. All SpaceX wanted was a 444-acre piece of Brownsville's city limits transferred into the jurisdiction of its company town, the City of Starbase. But the deal had to be done fast - take it or leave it.
The City Commission, in all its naivete, believed SpaceX's deal to be of enormous value. And its deadline to be real.
They told the public, "We have no money and no water. Now we will."
They told the public, "They would have gotten jurisdiction anyway through a lawsuit."
They told the public, "We have no leverage, but we got a deal of a lifetime."
The Indians of Manhattan probably thought the same.
But like the Indians, Brownsville's leaders did not realize how much leverage they had.
It was time.
SpaceX wanted jurisdiction over the 444 acres. And they wanted it **now**.
They dangled $220 million. Not to be spent as the City Commission saw fit. Just for water.
Why? Because water is a critical input to their operations. No water, no growth.
What if the City Commission could just sleep on it? Make the case to the public?
Sorry, SpaceX Vice President Sheila McCorkle, Starship Legal and Regulatory said, "then no deal."
As soon as the deal closed, SpaceX began construction in earnest. Who knows what they're doing. But it's clear: time mattered.
So what if the City Commission had let the deadline pass? Is it believable SpaceX would have taken water off the table?
More likely, they would have come back - and upped the ante.
To SpaceX and the world's richest man, $220 million is pocket change. What could the city have **really** gotten from SpaceX, besides this "pretend" gift?
Whatever you may think about Musk's intelligence and how that's contributed to his success, it is his boldness that stands out.
He makes bets. He tests limits. He pushes until somebody pushes back.
The City Commission didn't push back.
Brownsville still waits for bold leaders.
In the meantime, the current ones will keep collecting beads and trinkets.
3 comments:
That photo of the lady sitting there rolling her eyes pretty much tells the whole story. Apparently, some people would rather see Brownsville stay exactly as it was 50 years ago—complete with horses, buggies, and probably hitching posts downtown.
Love it or hate it, SpaceX is helping push Brownsville into the next level. Growth brings growing pains—that’s nothing new. But if someone absolutely cannot stand progress, there are plenty of communities out there that would be happy to welcome them, especially the ones struggling to attract jobs and investment.
Brownsville is getting a boost, and yes, we’re going to feel some growing pains along the way. But why fight success? Jump on the bandwagon and enjoy the ride!
Are we being nickel-and-dimed and taken advantage of in some ways? Probably. But at least we’re moving in an upward direction.
With the data center, new water plant, and other businesses and developments on the horizon, Brownsville is changing—and that’s a lot better than sitting around complaining while the rest of the world passes us by.
So buckle up, Brownsville. The wagon is moving. You can either ride along or stand on the sidewalk yelling at it!
Most of us don't have a problem with Brownsville moving forward in the name of progress. We have a problem when Brownsville is being abused. A great example is Boca Chica Beach. Boca Chica Beach should always belong to the citizens of Brownsville.
8:58. We’ll see if you’re this optimistic
when we start rationing water to accommodate a data center and SpaceX. I don’t want the NSA as my neighbor. What is needed is elected officials with vision and common sense. Nobody wants a data center in their backyard. Our officials would
gladly put a gigantic landfill in our vicinity for the right price.
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