Judge blocks Westlake vote on controversial data center
A Tarrant County judge temporarily blocked the Town of Westlake from voting on a proposed data center development agreement. The city of Keller filed legal action, citing concerns from residents about noise, water use, power demand, and the project's proximity to homes. A hearing on the temporary hold is set for August 26th.
A Tarrant County judge has issued a temporary block preventing the Town of Westlake from voting on or approving a proposed data center development agreement. The legal action stems from the city of Keller's unanimous decision to pursue a lawsuit against the project, citing unresolved concerns regarding its potential impact on Keller residents. The proposed 1.1 million square foot facility would be located approximately 506 feet from Keller homes.
Keller residents have voiced significant opposition, highlighting issues such as noise pollution, substantial water usage, increased power demand, and the close proximity of the project to their neighborhoods. While Westlake officials have defended the project, noting it has undergone public discussion for over a year and includes mitigation measures like extra setbacks and landscaping, a court has temporarily halted further action. A hearing on this temporary hold is scheduled for August 26th at 10 a.m. in the 342nd District Court.