Westlake, Texas – Residents can expect a packed Town Council meeting Monday evening as the board moves to formalize the design and landscaping standards for the new data center slated for a site off Highway 377 near the Keller border. The council has already approved the location of the facility; the agenda now focuses on a development agreement that will dictate the building’s architecture and the surrounding landscaping to ensure proper installation and long‑term maintenance.
Meeting details and security measures
The session begins at 4 p.m., but officials advise citizens to arrive early for a mandatory security screening. Recent violent threats directed at council members have prompted the town to increase security presence, and an overflow room is expected to be used as in prior meetings that have run into the early morning hours.
Background on the data center project
The proposed data center sits about 30 minutes north of Fort Worth, on land that the town has already earmarked for the facility. Westlake’s website claims the center will use less water than a typical Texas golf course does in a year and that it will not raise local electricity rates. Nevertheless, many Keller neighbors and city leaders have voiced strong opposition, citing worries about increased electricity consumption, water use, noise, and potential impacts on property values.
Keller residents have retained legal counsel to challenge the project, though Westlake officials say the town cannot halt construction at this stage. The council’s upcoming vote will not decide whether the data center proceeds, but will set the standards that govern its appearance and the care of the surrounding land.
What the development agreement will cover
The agreement is expected to address several key areas:
- Architectural guidelines – specifications for the building’s exterior design, materials, height, and overall aesthetic to ensure it fits with the community’s character.
- Landscaping requirements – minimum green space, tree planting, irrigation plans, and maintenance responsibilities to preserve the site’s visual appeal and environmental stewardship.
- Infrastructure safeguards – provisions for proper installation of power, water, and communications systems, as well as ongoing upkeep to protect the surrounding neighborhood.
These standards aim to balance the town’s economic development goals with the concerns of nearby residents.
Community response
Local homeowners and business owners have been encouraged to attend the meeting and voice their opinions during the public comment period. While some community members see the data center as a source of jobs and tax revenue, others remain skeptical, pointing to the potential strain on utilities and the precedent it may set for future large‑scale projects.
Town officials have emphasized that the development agreement is a routine step in the municipal approval process, designed to protect both the project’s investors and the public interest.
Next steps
If the council adopts the agreement, the data center developer will be required to comply with the stipulated design and landscaping standards before construction can proceed. The town will continue to monitor the project’s impact on traffic, utilities, and property values, and will keep the public informed of any further developments.
The information for this story was drawn from the Westlake Town Council meeting agenda and prior news coverage of the project.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
