Westlake, Texas – In a unanimous vote on Thursday, November 12, the Westlake City Council approved a measure permitting the construction of a 1.1‑million‑square‑foot data center on the city’s edge adjacent to Keller. The decision concludes a protracted legal battle that began earlier this year when Keller residents claimed they were not properly notified about the project.
Agreement with Keller resolves dispute
After Keller filed a temporary injunction to halt construction, the injunction expired in late September. On November 5, the two cities announced a settlement that addresses Keller’s concerns. Under the agreement, Westlake will enforce strict noise limits and conduct quarterly noise‑monitoring for the first three years of the data center’s operation. Additional provisions include landscaping requirements, emissions controls, and a financial contribution to Keller Fire‑Rescue.
Council members cite growth and revenue
During the council meeting, several speakers criticized the process for lacking transparency. Council members, however, emphasized that the data center is part of Westlake’s broader growth strategy. “Yes, residents may bear slightly higher electricity costs, but we’ll keep costs in other ways because of the additional revenue,” a council representative said.
State‑level context
Data centers have become a hot political topic in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott, who initially welcomed data‑center development, recently shifted course, calling for resource audits before issuing new permits. Meanwhile, Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa, who unseated Abbott in the recent midterm, has called for an immediate moratorium on data centers until the Texas Legislature can address regulatory gaps.
What’s next for the project
Keller officials indicated they will work with Representative Hinojosa on statewide discussions about data‑center regulation. The Westlake data‑center project is expected to move forward under the new local agreement, with construction slated to begin later this year.
Impact on the community
The development promises to bring jobs and tax revenue to the area, while the noise‑monitoring and emissions provisions aim to protect nearby neighborhoods, including Keller’s Marshall Ridge community. Residents can expect quarterly reports on noise levels and ongoing updates from the city’s planning department.
For more information on the agreement and upcoming construction milestones, Westlake residents are encouraged to attend future council meetings or visit the city’s official website.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
