Westlake postpones vote on data center plan after judge issues restraining order

A Tarrant County judge issued a temporary restraining order on August 17, preventing the Town of Westlake from voting on a development agreement for the proposed 1.1 million-square-foot Circle T data center. The Westlake Town Council responded by tabling the vote until August 26, minutes before a scheduled special meeting.

The restraining order stems from claims by the Marshall Ridge HOA in Keller and two Westlake residents, alleging the town failed to provide proper public notice for planning and zoning actions related to the data center in December 2024 and January 2025. Plaintiffs argued that proceeding with the project would cause "imminent and irreparable harm" to nearby residential properties. Keller residents, particularly those in the Marshall Ridge subdivision, voiced concerns over potential impacts on health, property values, and quality of life.

Public comment at the Westlake council meeting, largely from Keller residents, lasted over 90 minutes, with one resident even performing a protest song. Keller Mayor Ross McMullin stated the city would continue reviewing its options as the project moves through the courts. Westlake Mayor Kim Greaves acknowledged the court order but stated the property was already designated for use, emphasizing the council's responsibility to set strict standards for noise, water, power, emissions, and other environmental factors. Jeff Parsons, Powerhouse’s senior vice president of development and construction, committed to sharing noise monitoring data but hesitated on Westlake independently monitoring devices.